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    Chelsea starlet opens up on her World Cup history moment and hope to ‘win everything’ with WSL leaders 

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    WIEKE KAPTEIN fondly recalls the “crazy” moment she became the youngest player to feature in a Women’s World Cup for the Netherlands.Now the 19-year-old Chelsea midfielder has her sights on a new history-making target.Wieke Kaptein wants to help Chelsea achieve their goal of a first Women’s Champions League contest win for the clubCredit: GettyThe midfielder hopes to make football history with the Blues just as she did with the Netherlands at the 2023 Women’s World CupCredit: GettyKaptein is “learning a lot” from Chelsea midfielder Erin Cuthbert (right) and skipper Millie BrightCredit: GettyThat is helping the WSL leaders to a first-ever Champions League triumph next year.It was on August 1st last year in New Zealand a month before sealing her four-year Chelsea switch  that Kaptein stepped out on to the pitch in the World Cup.Like Brazil icon Pele, the Dutch starlet was just 17 when she made her first outing in the game’s top international tournament.Reflecting on her substitute appearance in the Netherlands’ 7-0 group stage thrashing of Vietnam, Kaptein  who now has 14 senior international caps said: “It was crazy. Read More Football Stories”When coach Andries Jonkers told me I needed to come on in the 45th minute against Vietnam, it was a dream come true.”I was standing there smiling to myself and not even thinking that this is a World Cup game.”All I could do was laugh and enjoy everything that I did there. I was really honoured to be a history-maker.”I’d never experienced a Euros or World Cup at youth team levels because I couldn’t go and needed to stay at [old club] Twente.Most read in Football”The girls in the team helped me a lot because I was only 17.”Kaptein, who was born in Hengelo in the east of the Netherlands’ Twente region, is accustomed to breaking new ground as a teenager.She was just 15 when she signed her first professional football contract for Twente.Since embarking on her first full season at Chelsea this term, she has become a trusted option as a starter as well as from the bench, making four substitute appearances in her seven WSL games.Kaptein hopes that learning from Blues skipper Millie Bright and fellow midfielder Erin Cuthbert (right) can help her development.She added: “I’m learning a lot from Millie, from Erin and particularly all the players who have been here for a long time.”I’m honoured to be with them on the pitch every time.””I’ve developed myself a lot here since the beginning of my career at Chelsea. I’m looking forward to doing that again and again.”Along with attempting to claim an eighth WSL title, Chelsea are chasing Champions League glory under boss Sonia Bompastor.While a domestic trophy clean sweep is among their goals, Kaptein hopes 2025 will be the year they topple all their rivals in Europe.So far in the competition they have won every game, with Kaptein a starter in last Tuesday’s 2-1 victory away at Real Madrid.Kaptein has has scored three goals and provided three assists in 13 WSL and Champions League games this seasonCredit: GettyIn February, the Blues will discover who out of Manchester City, Bayern Munich or Wolfsburg will be their quarter-final opponents.READ MORE SUN STORIESKaptein said: “We want to win the Champions League this season and everyone wants to win the WSL again.”The other cup competitions are also prizes. We want to win everything.” More

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      Netflix to stream Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031 as Fifa release details of ‘historic’ deal

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      NETFLIX has agreed a historic deal to broadcast the next Women’s World Cup in the United States.The global streaming giant has also been granted the rights to the 2031 tournament.Netflix has secured the rights for the 2027 and 2031 Women’s World CupsCredit: GettyEngland narrowly missed out on the title in 2023Credit: PAAn official statement from FIFA read: “The historic deal will provide US-based fans with unparalleled access to every match live and to immersive coverage, including star-studded studio shows in what is set to be an unprecedented celebration of the women’s game.”Major tournaments such as the World Cup are traditionally broadcast on free-to-air public networks in order to maximise audience reach.However, FIFA president Gianni Infantino previously criticised broadcasters – especially in Europe – for undervaluing the right to broadcast the 2023 Women’s World Cup.On Friday, Infantino said: “This agreement sends a strong message about the real value of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the global women’s game.”Read More in FootballFIFA will likely use the Netflix deal to drive talks with European broadcasters.ITV and the BBC have shared the rights to the tournament in recent years.Meanwhile, FOX broadcast the World Cup across the US last year.The 2027 tournament will take place in Brazil from June to July and is set to involve 32 teams.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSpain are the reigning champions, having defeated England in the 2023 final.Netflix dipped into live sports last month by showcasing the blockbuster boxing bout between YouTuber Jake Paul and heavyweight legend Mike Tyson at the AT&T Stadium in Texas.BREAKING: England fans spot Lucy Bronze’s ‘top tier s***housery’ before Spain miss penalty in Women’s World Cup finalThe streaming service is also set to broadcast live NFL games on Christmas day. More

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      Leah Williamson reckons fans are ‘seeing the best’ of Arsenal after eight straight wins under Renee Slegers

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      LEAH WILLIAMSON joked at being relieved to not be responsible for deciding who will become the next permanent Arsenal Women’s boss. The case for appointing stand-in gaffer Renee Slegers grew stronger after the team exacted Champions League revenge on Bayern Munich. Williamson says Arsenal’s players have taken advantage of Renee Slegers encouraging them to be themselvesCredit: GettyAlessia Russo’s form has improved under Slegers with the striker netting her tenth goal in 11 games during a defeat of Bayern MunichCredit: GettyStand-in Arsenal boss Slegers has remained tightlipped on her future despite fans being keen to see her become Arsenal’s permanent bossCredit: GettyArsenal centre-back Williamson and her side finished top of their group in the contest after battling from 2-1 down to beat the German giants 3-2. The victory on Wednesday night at Meadow Park sealed Arsenal’s eighth win on the bounce under Slegers.And it saw them extend their unbeaten run under the Netherlands to 11 games ahead of Christmas and following the start of the Women’s Super League’s winter break. On whether Slegers should be given the job permanently, Williamson said: “We have been zeroing in on the games but I am so happy coming into work. Read More Football Stories “But I am so happy it is not my decision or not my role!”We had two targets at the beginning of this block (when Renee came in) and we ticked them both. It puts us in good stead, we wanted to win the group and we did.”Slegers, who has become a popular figure amongst Gunners’ supporters took on her current role following a difficult start to the season for the side. A poor run of results, including three winless games at the Emirates and 2-1 and 5-2 losses to Chelsea and Bayern, led to former boss Jonas Eidevall resigning from his role. Most read in FootballSince Slegers took charge in mid-October, the team have conceded only five goals in their past 11 gamesAnd Williamson is among the players who feel there has been a momentum shift since then. The England captain and Gunners defender adds: “When you don’t have a set manager and you have an interim, everyone becomes more accountable and everybody has to step up. “Everybody is pulling their weight a bit more and maybe we needed that. “You’ve seen a different side because we as players have taken more responsibility. “Renee has just encouraged everyone to be themselves, we found a way that fits everybody and taken advantage of that.” With Arsenal finishing top of Group C in the Champions League the Gunners will face either Manchester City, Real Madrid or Wolfsburg in the contest’s last eight. The Gunners will find out who their quarter-final opponents will be following the draw on February 7. And Slegers reckons the team are capable of toppling any of their rivals in Europe.The Arsenal interim head coach said: “We have a top squad. “It is demanding and we have had so many challenges now over the last couple of months and many times we came out positively.Real Madrid are among the teams Arsenal could face in the Champions League quarter-finals next yearCredit: Getty”The team has shown grit and determination, in combination with quality players and their idea of how we are together when we play football. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think you can go very far but we respect all the other teams. “There are so many teams who can do really great things. It is a big challenge.” More

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      Alex Greenwood has ‘successful’ surgery following knee injury on Champions League duty with Manchester City

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      ALEX GREENWOOD has undergone an operation on a knee injury she suffered during Manchester City’s Champions League defeat of St Polten.However the 96-capped England defender is set for lengthy spell out of action after having her medial collateral ligament (MCL) repaired.Man City say their medical team will work closely with Greenwood who sustained a knee injury this monthCredit: ReutersThe Man City skipper was stretchered off during the first half of her team’s defeat of Austrian side St Polten in the Women’s Champions League group stageCredit: ReutersMan City finished second in their Champions League group after falling to a 3-0 loss to Barcelona on December 18Credit: AFPGreenwood sustained her injury in the first half of her side’s 2-0 home win against their Austrian opponents in Europe on December 12.  The Man City captain appeared to be in discomfort after going to ground following a collision with St Polten forward Melanie Brunnthaler.She was later stretchered off in the 32nd minute. There were initial worries the defender, who has made nine WSL appearances so far this term, had suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture.Read More Football Stories However this morning her club confirmed she damaged her MCL – which is the tissue connecting the thigh bone to the shin bone.While this usually involves a shorter period in recovery than an ACL injury it remains to be seen whether Greenwood will be fit ahead of England’s next set of international fixtures. In February Sarina Wiegman’s side are due to face Portugal and Spain in the Nations League as part of their build-up to next summer’s European Championship. And supporters will hope that Greenwood, who was part of the England squad that won the Women’s Euros two years ago, will be fit before the 2025 tournament in Switzerland. Most read in FootballMan City’s update follows their WSL team falling to a 3-0 loss to Barcelona on Wednesday. Goals from Claudia Pina, Aitana Bonmati and Barca captain Alexia Puttellas resulted in the Catalan giants finishing top of Group D with City in second spot. The Cityzens’ second place finish means they could potentially face Arsenal, Chelsea or Lyon in the competition’s quarter-finals next year. The team, who are currently second in the WSL and six points off leaders, Chelsea will find out who their opponents will be after the draw on February 7. City are contending with a swathe of injuries with forwards Khadija Shaw, Lauren Hemp and Vivianne Miedema currently sidelined. Vivianne Miedema hopes to be “fully recharged” and ready to make her Man City return in the new yearCredit: GettyAnd forward Chloe Kelly, who has faced a battle for minutes this term, was absent from the squad that faced Barcelona. City chief Gareth Taylor said this was due to “on-going symptoms” concerning concussion she sustained whilst on England duty in November. The Euros-winning Lioness star, whose current City contract runs until next summer, has started once in six top-flight appearances so far this season.  More

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      WSL clash suspended after medical emergency as Brighton and Spurs players both forced to leave pitch

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      A MEDICAL emergency halted Tottenham’s Women’s Super League clash against Brighton.There was just three minutes left to play at the Broadfield Stadium when the game was temporarily suspended.Brighton’s clash with Spurs was halted due to an emergencyCredit: RexPlayers from both teams initially waited on the field.But they then headed down the tunnel amid growing concern for a fan sat in the stands.Medics rushed over to the supporter in worrying scenes.There was a 14-minute delay in play before the players re-entered the pitch to finish the game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpurs released a statement on social media that read: “Our thoughts are with the individual receiving care.”Brighton added: “Everyone at Albion sends their wishes.”There is yet to be a further update on the fan’s condition.But a reporter at the ground claimed the “medical emergency had been dealt with”.Most read in FootballThe game finished 1-1 as Bethany England opened the scoring before Brighton’s Marisa Olislagers brilliantly equalised.A point sees the Seagulls stay in fifth and Spurs are one place behind in sixth. More

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      ‘We’re better than the position we’re currently in’, says Goater as Aston Villa target improved form in WSL

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      SHAUN GOATER has vowed to bring calmness during his Aston Villa reign following the sacking of Robert de Pauw.The stand-in Villans Women chief, 54, insists players are hungry to turn things around after picking up one win from nine WSL games under their former boss. Aston Villa, who are currently ninth, hope to get back to winning ways in the WSL with their last victory occuring on November 17Credit: AlamyShaun Goater guided Villa to a 4-1 midweek victory in a Women’s League Cup group stage clash with Charlton before his side bowed out of the contestCredit: GettyOn Wednesday Goater became the interim chief of a top-flight women’s side for the first time in his coaching career, following De Pauw’s departure.  A run of five losses and three draws has left Villa, who host West Ham tomorrow, position one point above the drop zone and sitting ninth. And they hope to avoid being drawn into a relegation battle. Ahead of the match Goater reflected on some past experiences of overcoming the odds during his playing days at Manchester City.Read More Football Stories The former Cityzens and Bermuda striker, who hung up his boots in 2006, reflected on helping his old club battle from 2-0 down to win a Second Division play-off final against Gillingham in 1999.Goater, who scored more than 100 times for the Cityzens, said: “Many people know my story and my journey. “One of those stories was playing at Wembley and City being 2-0 down and the clock being in the 88th minute (before we fought back). “I have within me, from that experience, the will to fight to the end.” Most read in FootballGoater, who began his coaching career in Bermuda 18 years ago, added: “That’s what I will pour into the girls – that we will continue to fight until the end. “In all fairness, we have that in abundance. We have that ability to fight and play the Villa way.“As a club the aspiration for Villa is to be higher up (in the WSL). We’ve not had the start to the season that we would like. “The (game against West Ham) is a must-win because we’re better than the position we’re currently in (in the league).”Before joining Villa this August Goater previously worked as part of Man City’s academy coaching staff from October 2021 before becoming assistant to City Women’s boss Gareth Taylor last April. His appointment as stand-in boss follows De Pauw’s exit after almost six months in post. Of De Pauw’s departure, Goater, who guided Villa to a 4-1 win against Charlton in the Women’s League Cup on December 11, said: “We’re in the business of football. “Sometimes these things happen. It’s one of those things. “On the day and when things were unfolding – yes –  I was surprised (he had gone). “But when the girls got together it was all about preparing for the game (against Charlton). “When I look into the players’ eyes I can see their hunger (to win). “They’re excited about the game coming up. This fills me with confidence that we can take this challenge onVilla’s first game under Goater included forward Ebony Salmon and skipper Rachel Daly both scoring twice. Ahead of their trip to Villa Park West Ham won two of their last three WSL gamesCredit: AlamyAnd Goater will be turning to both forwards and Villa’s other senior players to help get over their “bumpy” run of losses in the WSL.  READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added:“We have our senior players and this is exactly what I’ll be asking of them. “That’s to continue to take senior leadership roles and make sure we see ourselves through this bumpy period.” More

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      Former Man City cult hero Shaun Goater lands manager job after boss is sacked following bizarre social media post

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      SHAUN GOATER has taken charge of Aston Villa’s women’s side following the sacking of Robert de Pauw.The Manchester City legend, 54, is managing the team in the interim following the departure of the Holland-born coach.Shaun Goater was a Man City player and coach, now he’s been promoted to interim women’s boss at Villa after being assistant head coachCredit: GettyDutchman Robert de Pauw has been sacked by Aston VillaCredit: ReutersAnd the former striker, who scored more than a hundred times for the Cityzens, oversaw his first game at the helm when Villa hosted Charlton in the Women’s League Cup on Wednesday night.De Pauw’s exit, announced by the club yesterday, came three days after the Villans fell to a fifth loss in nine top-flight games.The Dutchman is alleged to have made unprofessional remarks to players, including comments about their appearance.According to The Guardian concerns were raised in-house about the claims which the club are reported to have looked into.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe Sun has contacted Villa for comment on those claims.The Dutch coach left the club “with immediate effect” after just six months at the helm.Just 24 hours earlier the ex-Bayer Leverkusen chief posted what many regarded as a cryptic message on LinkedIn.De Pauw wrote: “Finding the balance between the short term and long term in the best interest for the team and club is not an easy thing. It comes with big sacrifices.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”You need the backing of the club if you want the team to go from average, to good, to better, to top.”This reselecting and developing of a team is a necessary thing to do to make these steps. I did this in Leverkusen the past two seasons selecting on football, behaviour and characteristics of the players.Meet Aston Villa wonderkid Lamare Bogarde who has a famous uncle”I never shy away from difficult decisions and I will certainly not win the popularity contests. Because you can never satisfy everyone.”But always keeping standards high to get the best out of the team and each other.”Following a promising pre-season that included a friendly win against Man City, the Villans have endured a poor start to this season.The team were trounced 4-0 by Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday and have notched just ONE win in the WSL so far this term.Their dismal run has left them fourth from bottom and just one point above bottom-placed Crystal Palace before their final WSL game this year on Sunday.The team are due to host West Ham who are ninth with eight points and also battling to avoid the drop.De Pauw’s departure was announced in a brief written statement published on their web site.They say Goater will be in charge of their women’s squad “until a new manager is appointed and will be supported by the wider coaching team”.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe former Bermuda international joined Villa as assistant women’s team head coach in August.Before then Goater had worked as an assistant to Cityzens women’s side gaffer Gareth Taylor from April last year to June until this summer. More

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      Millie Bright hopes Chelsea maintain ‘monster mentality’ with team chasing European glory in her tenth year at the club

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      MILLIE BRIGHT wants Chelsea to maintain their “monster mentality” with the WSL leaders currently unbeaten so far this season. And taking on Barcelona in the 2021 Champions League final remains one of her standout memories despite her side’s 4-0 loss.Millie Bright says winning a Champions League trophy for the first time is one Chelsea’s “ultimate goals”Credit: GettyThe Blues captain and her team-mates hope to extend their winning run in Europe by beating FC Twente in their penultimate group stage gameCredit: GettyThe Blues are chasing an eighth WSL title are currently unbeaten so far this seasonCredit: GettyAt 8:00pm tomorrow the Blues skipper and her team-mates host FC Twente at Stamford Bridge with the aim of finishing top of group B While their place in the tournament’s knockout phase has already been booked, Chelsea hope to extend their winning streak to 14 games in Europe and the WSL this term.For Bright, 31, the idea of going unbeaten has sat in her mind. The centre-back, who sealed a Blues move ten years ago today, hopes the team retain its “winning DNA” will be one of her legacies.Read More Football Stories Bright, whose side are currently unbeaten this term, said: “I want my legacy to be winning. “I’ve always said that since day one and from lifting that first trophy. “I want Chelsea to keep that winning DNA and monster mentality. “I always joke about being a surprise signing. No one expected it and there were a lot of doubts.Most read in Football”I want everyone to look at that and know that if you have the right mentality, attitude and apply yourself properly, you can be successful in whatever environment you go into.”Since joining Chelsea from a Doncaster Rovers Belles side that were demoted in 2013, Bright has lifted seven WSL titles, four FA Cups and two Women’s League Cups. One major prize that has thus far eluded her is a Women’s Champions League trophy. And Bright hopes her tenth term at Chelsea could be the season she lifts one. She adds: “To be able to play in that Champions League final (against Barcelona three years ago) is a standing memory because I want to be able to go to one again. “I don’t have any regrets (about the result). I learnt so much from that experience.Bright wants Chelsea to maintain momentum by registering wins in their last three games for this yearCredit: Getty”Everyone knows that’s the trophy that we’re after. “We have been for so long and nothing changes in that mindset. “That’s the ultimate goal.” More

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      Sonia Bompastor praises ‘brave’ Chelsea display as WSL leaders extend winning run with defeat of Brighton

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      SONIA BOMPASTOR hailed Hannah Hampton for helping Chelsea snuff out Brighton despite a clearance leading to an Albion goal.The Blues goalkeeper pulled off some stunning saves as Sjoeke Nusken’s brace contributed to a 4-2 defeat of the Seagulls on Sunday.Chelsea’s win enabled them to maintain their five-point lead at the WSL’s summit following Man City’s 4-0 defeat of LeicesterCredit: PASome well-executed saves from Hannah Hampton helped Chelsea protect their advantageCredit: GettySjoeke Nusken bagged her first two WSL goals for this season netting twice for ChelseaCredit: ReutersBrighton had nine shots on target including one from ex-Blues ace Jelena Cankovic who scored their first-half equaliserCredit: PAThe hosts registered their ninth win in nine games to maintain their flawless run and five-point lead at the summit. Bompastor’s side also equalled Arsenal’s record of nine straight victories in the top-flight set during 2018 to 2019 campaignAnd the six-goal thriller at Kingsmeadow included two goals conceded by Chelsea and Albion following wobbly moments at the back. This included Hampton’s 71st-minute attempted clearance paving the way for Kiko Seike netting Brighton’s second goal. Read More Football StoriesBlues boss Bompastor said: “Hannah had a great game even when you analyse her performance and you can also see the (second) goal we conceded. “But I don’t care about that when we get a win. “For me it’s more important for my players to try even if they don’t succeed. I want them to be brave and confident enough to try again. “And when you look at her performance the balance is more positive.Most read in Football”She made some great saves that allowed us to stay in the game and that’s what I focus on.” The Seagulls, who had forward Fran Kirby absent due to a calf injury, pushed their hosts all the way as they mounted a late fightback. The visitors had nine shots on target during the match and prompted some quality saves from Hampton, including a close-range stop from a Seike strike late on. Bompastor added: “Before the game in the press conference, someone told me you are dominating the league and it was not good for the league “This game showed we have a competitive league. “We were expecting a difficult game with players returning from international duty. “And at this time of the year they are fatigued and at these times it’s important to focus on performance and having good energy to win”Ex-Blues midfielder Jelena Cankovic had a ninth-minute strike cleared off the line in a frantic first half. Jorelyn Carabali forced Hampton to save her headed effort with an outstretched leg at the half hour point. And the deadlock was broken when Nusken exploited Brighton’s attempts to pass out from the back, easing the ball across the line in the 35th minute. Albion goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley was caught dawdling by Aggie Beever-Jones as Chelsea took a 2-0 lead in 40 minutesBut the Seagulls rallied with Cankovic pulling a goal back with a swept-in effort close to half-time. The second half saw highly-rated forward Michelle Agyemang come on for the visitors.But their hosts took a 3-1 lead with Johanna Rytting Kaneryd netting after Baggaley’s 51st minute save of Lucy Bronze’s shot deflected off herBut Agyemang, on loan from Arsenal, gave Brighton hope of a possible draw as her charge down of Hampton’s clearance teed up Seike’s walloped finishThe Japan striker had a late shot stopped by Hampton before Chelsea put the game to bed with Nusken’s injury-time header. And the result saw Albion drop to fifth before their league clash with Tottenham on Saturday, as Arsenal moved up to third spot with Manchester United sitting fourth. Brighton boss Dario Vidosic said: “We knew we had to come out and we wanted to try to win. “We probably could have scored five or six. “We made a few little mistakes that we normally don’t make, but that’s all part of the process.”But I’m really proud (of the players’ performance) after a short period with disruptions leading into this. Kiko Seike netted her fifth goal in eight WSL appearances when she scored Brighton’s secondCredit: Getty “We lost three players in Fran (Kirby), Maisie (Symonds) and Madison (Haley to injuries) during the international break. READ MORE SUN STORIES”To put in the performance we did it would have been just that we got something out of it.”We didn’t but we’ll learn from this and we’ll be ready to go again on Wednesday night (in the League Cup against Bristol City).” More