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    England Lionesses announce squad for Euro 2025 after Sarina Wiegman was rocked by THREE withdrawals days before

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    ENGLAND manager Sarina Wiegman has named her 23-player squad for Euro 2025 as the Lionesses prepare to defend their title.Three years on from their first-ever European Championship triumph, the Lionesses head to Switzerland next month as one of the favourites.Sarina Wiegman has named her squad for Euro 2025Credit: GettyThe Lionesses are looking to defend their European titleCredit: GettyBut they will be missing three key players who contributed to that incredible Wembley success.Millie Bright, who captained the squad at the 2023 World Cup, made herself unavailable for selection earlier this week due to burnout.Fran Kirby announced her retirement from international football on Tuesday after learning that she would not be travelling to Switzerland.And goalkeeper Mary Earps hung up her gloves last month in a huge shock to both Wiegman and her team-mates.READ MORE ON THE LIONESSESDespite the absences, England approach the European Championship next month with a strong squad.Leah Williamson will captain the Lionesses for the second time at a major tournament.She will be joined by defenders Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood, Maya Le Tissier, Esme Morgan, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles and Lotte Wubben-Moy.Following the departure of Earps last month, Hannah Hampton will be England’s No1 this summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKhiara Keating and Anna Moorhouse will be on hand in case the Chelsea ace gets injured.Georgia Stanway returned to the England squad last week following a five-month period on the sidelines with a knee injury.England Lionesses star hints at future career change as she shows off talent as a tattoo artist Leah Williamson is set to captain the squad againCredit: GettyShe is among the list of midfielders included, alongside Keira Walsh, Ella Toone, Grace Clinton and Jess Park.And in attack, Wiegman has picked Alessia Russo, Aggie Beever-Jones, Lauren Hemp, Beth Mead, Chloe Kelly and 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang.Despite being sidelined with a hamstring injury, Lauren James has also earned a call-up for the tournament.Out of the 23-player squad, 13 were part of the Lionesses’ Euro 2022-winning squad at Wembley.Meanwhile, seven players will be appearing at their first major tournament.Sophie Baggaley, Laura Blindkilde Brown, Missy Bo Kearns and Lucy Parker are all on the standby list.Discussing her selection, Wiegman said: “I know this is an exciting day, for the players and also for our fans and it underlines that the tournament is coming soon.”Telling the players they have made the squad is always a great moment. They will all give everything to help us make the country proud.”This group is a very well-balanced mix of players with multiple tournaments on their CVs and also those that will make their tournament debuts. I am excited to see what we are capable of this summer.Read More on The Sun”At the same time, I do feel for those that have just missed out. I can only name 23 but there are more players who have been so important to us on our journey to Switzerland. We would not be here without them.”As we look forward, we still have a month to go until we play the first game. After some important rest, we will all be working really hard to make sure we are ready to go on 5 July.”England squad for Euro 2025 in fullGoalkeepers:Hannah HamptonKhiara KeatingAnna MoorhouseDefenders:Lucy BronzeLotte Wubben-MoyJess CarterNiamh CharlesMaya Le TissierEsme MorganAlex GreenwoodLeah WilliamsonMidfielders:Grace ClintonJess ParkElla TooneGeorgia StanwayKeira WalshForwards:Lauren HempBeth MeadLauren JamesChloe KellyAggie Beever-JonesMichelle AgyemangAlessia Russo More

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      The absence of Earps, Kirby and Bright leaves a void – who are the England aces who can fill it?

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      IN a month’s time England begin their the defence of their European Championship crown in Switzerland. Build-up to this year’s Euros has not been plain sailing in terms of some results on the pitch and shock announcements off it. England will compete in the Euros without vice captain Millie Bright following her withdrawal from selection before the tournamentCredit: GettyFran Kirby called time on her England playing career after being informed she would not be included in Sarina Wiegman’s squad for this year’s EurosCredit: GettyMary Earps announced her international retirement five weeks before the start of the tournament in SwitzerlandCredit: APToday Sarina Wiegman will name the players included in her 23-strong England group who will battle for Euros glory. Three who will not be on her list are Mary Earps, Fran Kirby and Millie Bright. The trio were among the standout performers during England’s triumphant Euros charge three years ago. Five weeks before the start of this year’s contest Mary Earps announced her retirement from international football. Read More Football Stories Then came Fran Kirby, 31, hanging up her England boots after being informed that she would not be part of the squad for next month’s contest. And yesterday vice captain Bright withdrew herself from selection after bravely explaining her need to do so for her “health and future in the game”.  The Chelsea captain’s announcement followed a season in which she skippered her club to a domestic trophy treble, On the Daly Brightness podcast she hosts with former England ace Rachel Daly, Bright explained her decision was not taken lightly. Most read in FootballYesterday she said: “It was something that I’d spoken about with friends, family, the people around me, and I gave it a lot of thought. “But ultimately, I thought this was the best decision for the team, but also for myself and using this summer to zone into mentally, physically, getting myself back in tip-top condition.””It’s obviously hard, but I’m going to be the girls’ number one supporter and I know they’re going to go on and smash it.”Bright, Earps and Kirby have played a huge part in England’s recent success with all playing in every single game of their last Euros campaign. With all three unavailable for England, here is a look at who will fill the void at this year’s Euros. Hannah Hampton will be England’s first choice goalkeeper at this year’s Euros, her first major international tournamentCredit: GettyGoalkeeper options England’s shot stopper starter question has been answered with Hannah Hampton in place as their No1 for the Euros.The Chelsea player won her battle for a starting spot with Earps after emerging as a first team regular under Wiegman. This year Hampton has started in five of their last six Nations League games following Earps’ last start (final international appearance) on February 21. While England’s away form in the contest has been mixed, including a 2-1 loss to world champions Spain this week, Hampton kept clean sheets on three of those occasions. This includes their 1-0 win against the World Cup winners who are among their main rivals at this year’s Euros. While Hampton is set to be England’s starter in goal, it is not entirely clear who will be the next automatic choice after her.England have options in Anna Moorhouse and Man City’s Khiara Keating although both are yet to make their senior international debuts.  Last October Moorhouse won the National Women’s Soccer League shield with top-flight American club Orlando Pride A month later the former West Ham goalkeeper set a new record for the most clean sheets in a NWSL season with 13 in 26 games. A friendly clash with Jamaica as England’s final game before their Euros opener against France could be an opportunity to see Moorhouse or Keating tested. Anna Moorhouse and Khiara Keating are yet to make their senior international debutsCredit: AlamyPlaymaker and forward options Should Lauren James win her race back to fitness from a hamstring problem, she and Jess Park are likely to be England’s primary attacking midfielders as well as Ella Toone. All three have been deployed in the number 10 role under Wiegman although Toone and James have faced battles with injury in recent months. England also have Beth Mead’s creative capabilities from the wing. This week Wiegman revealed James was progressing well with her recovery from a hamstring issue. It is hoped the forward, who shone for England at the 2023 World Cup, will be fit enough to compete at the Euros. Lauren James hopes to win her race to back to fitness ahead of the Euros with England facing France in their Group D openerCredit: AlamyCentral defenceWith Bright’s withdrawal Alex Greenwood is likely to be deployed alongside Williamson in central defence. The Man City skipper’s vision and versatility have made her one of England’s most dependable figures in their backline.Her set-piece delivery skills will be a useful asset for the team. With 98 caps she is also one of England’s most experienced players on the pitch and a calming presence on the pitch. Read More on The SunAlex Greenwood is likely partner Lioness captain Leah Williamson in the centre of England’s defenceCredit: GettyAside from Greenwood, England also have the option of Jess Carter. The ex-Chelsea defender, who won the Concacaf Champions Cup with Gotham FC , is more than capable of operating centrally or as a full-back. More

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      Lauren Hemp insists England ‘have respect’ for Spain but will be ready for tough pre-Euros test against world champions

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      LAUREN HEMP reckons England are ready to go toe-to-toe with Spain after their six-goal Nations League pummelling of Portugal. Following her international comeback yesterday evening the fit-again forward admitted she missed playing in front of Lionesses fans.Lauren Hemp says England are feeling confident ahead of their clash with Spain on June 3Credit: AlamyHemp and her team-mates are second in their Nations League group behind Spain following their rivals’ 5-1 defeat of BelgiumCredit: GettyEngland’s clash with Spain in June will be their last competitive match ahead of the July 2 start of this year’s Women’s EurosCredit: GettyBefore her side’s pivotal pre-Euros duel with Spain the Lioness, 24, made a successful return to England action for the first time since last October. Their 6-0 humbling of Portugal involved four different players scoring for the reigning European champions. They include Chelsea’s Aggie Beever-Jones who registered her first international hat-trickDefeat of their Nations League group A3 rivals would put England in the contest’s finals.Read More Football Stories It would also fire a warning to their foes’ at this year’s Euros, with World Cup winners Spain likely to be one of the biggest threats. Before their Tuesday duel in Barcelona, Hemp said: “The confidence (in the squad) is high. “We’ve got a lot of respect for Spain and we’ve had so many great games against them. “We’re going to make sure we’re ready and rested for that game and we’ll make sure we start that match as we did this one (against Portugal).”Most read in FootballHemp’s England shift at Wembley last night was her first in seven months and follows her recovery from a knee injury. Her last Lioness game before then was a 2-1 friendly defeat of South Africa last October.A match that was followed by Hemp undergoing a knee op a month later that would leave her sidelined until her Man City return in April.In front of a 48,531-strong crowd, it looked as if she had never been away as she, Beever-Jones and Beth Mead terrorised Portugal’s woeful defence. Hemp added: “It’s been a long journey and there have been times when I’ve thought, ‘when am I actually getting back on the pitch’ after having a few setbacks. “But it’s great to be back in an England shirt and doing what I love doing. Hopefully there is still more to come.””It’s been a long seven months but coming back felt great. “The fans are great and they’re always great and I’ve missed that as well with not being in the mix for a little while (due to injury).”Defeat of Spain would see England register their second victory over the World Cup winners in the Nations League this year. The last duel between the sides resulted in 1-0 win for Sarina Wiegman’s players at Wembley in February. On whether victory would serve as a warning to the Lionesses Euros’ rivals, Hemp said: “There’s still a little while to go. “It’s important that we still put in the performances leading up to the Euros. “But at the moment we feel we’re in a great place.”With Beever-Jones notching her first senior England hat-trick and Mead and Chloe Kelly scoring, Sarina Wiegman feels she has a Euros selection headache with her forwards. On June 5 the England boss, 55, will announce who has made it into her 23-player squad for the tournament that starts on July 2 in Switzerland.Wiegman has backed Lauren James to battle her way into contention with the Chelsea forward’s recovery from a hamstring injury progressing. She said: “We have so many options up front in the England squad right now. Sarina Wiegman believes deciding which England forwards to take to this year’s Euros will be a tough decision to makeCredit: Getty”What we also hope for is LJ (Lauren James) coming back too. She’s still in rehab and doing good. Read More on The Sun”I hope every striker will be fit including those who we have now in the squad with LJ added to that. “Then it’s going to be really hard for me to make decisions for the Euros squad.” More

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      Why has Mary Earps retired from the England national team?

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      MARY EARPS shocked the footballing world after announcing her retirement from the England national team.Lionesses legend Earps, 32, was the goalkeeper for England’s Euro triumph in 2022 and the World Cup final in 2023, in which she pulled off a stunning penalty save.Mary Earps was England’s Euro-winning goalkeeper in 2022Credit: PAAnd Earps saved a penalty in the World Cup final a year afterCredit: AFPThe former Manchester United ace was crowned a two-time Fifa Women’s Best Goalkeeper, and also BBC Sport Personality of the Year in 2023.But just five weeks before the start of the 2025 Euros, 53-cap star Marps announced her retirement with immediate effect.Why has Mary Earps retired from international football?Mary Earps was in a battle with Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton for the No1 spot in boss Sarina Wiegman’s starting XI for the upcoming Euros in Switzerland.Hampton was picked in England’s last three Nations League matches – against Spain and the double header against Belgium.And according to The Telegraph, Earps quit in a meeting after being told she was now back-up to Hampton.Earps said in her announcement: “I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally. It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life, to wear this badge, represent my country and play alongside such an incredible group of players.”I’ve spent a long time making this decision and it’s not one I’ve made lightly.”For me, ultimately this is the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive.Most read in Football”Winning the Euros in 2022 was the best day of my life, and I’m rooting for the girls to do it again this summer.”While in a cryptic Instagram post, Earps added: “My journey has never been the simplest, and so in true Mary fashion, this isn’t a simple goodbye – right before a major tournament.England stars celebrate historic Euro 2022 victory in dressing room after beating Germany 2-1“Nonetheless, I know this is the right decision.”There are so many dimensions to this decision, the details of which aren’t important right now, but what it boils down to is: it’s now the right moment for me to step aside.“This is a new era and a new England team, and I’m looking forward to watching them this summer. In the end, all you have is all you are – your character.”And I know that whilst this won’t make sense to some who are reading this, you can trust that I would not be doing this unless I thought it was absolutely the right thing to do, as much as it hurts.”Sarina Wiegman was questioned about Earps’ retirementCredit: GettyThe announcement sparked a furious response from Lionesses coach Wiegman.The Dutch coach said: “I had hoped that Mary would play an important role within the squad this summer, so of course I am disappointed.”Mary has been clear on her reasons why she has made the decision and it is something we need to accept.“Mary has made a huge contribution to not only the team, but the whole of English football.Read More on The Sun“We will cherish those memories and of course give Mary the tributes she deserves after the summer.”But for now the focus needs to be on the upcoming Uefa Women’s Nations League fixtures and the Euros.” More

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      England and Arsenal ace Michelle Agyemang insists ‘there is more to come from her’ with the Lionesses ahead of the Euros

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      SURREAL is how Michelle Agyemang described her emergence as a senior England international this year. Last month the versatile Arsenal striker, 19, showed why Gunners and England legend Kelly Smith sees her as one of the club’s “fearless” rising stars. Michelle Agyemang could be set to make her second senior England appearance when the Lionesses face Portugal in the Women’s Nations League this eveningCredit: GettyLast month Agyemang scored 41 seconds into her senior England debut when the team played Belgium in the contestCredit: ReutersAgyemang’s international rise has been rapid with the striker playing for England’s Under-19s and Under-23s within the past 11 monthsCredit: GettySix days ago the Arsenal starlet was in Lisbon watching her club pals defeat Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League finalsCredit: GettyLess than a minute into her senior debut, the England ace let fly with a stunning volley that found its targets in a Nations League duel with Belgium.While the Lionesses fell to a 3-2 away loss in that game on April 4 Agyemang’s 16-minute cameo underlined why her rise through England’s ranks has been rapid. After scoring a hat-trick in a 10-0 demolition of Lithuania in the Women’s Under-19 Championship last July, the striker moved up to England’s Under-23s two months later. And just two months after scoring a brace against Germany in a friendly for the side, she received first call-up into Sarina Wiegman’s England squad.Read More Football StoriesOf her emergence as a senior international player, Agyemang said: “I’m a person of few words, so I’m struggling already.”I think it’s ‘surreal’, like, just the manner in which it happened. “There are so many more things to come and I’m just really grateful for the opportunity.”Agyemang’s appearance in England’s last Nations League outing came at a time of the team contending with injuries to Alessia Russo and Lauren James. Most read in FootballForward Lauren Hemp, now back in the squad after her comeback from injury, was also yet to return to match action for her club Manchester City. With the trio out, Wiegman opted to bring in Agyemang who impressed during her loan spell at Brighton from Arsenal last season, as well for the young Lionesses. Reflecting on her first call-up and being in England’s squad this month, she added: “When I got the phone-call [from Sarina when I was] just literally coming out of the shower, “It was unexpected, but I’m really grateful that she’s put the trust in me to come in and show what I can do for a longer period of time.”It was amazing to get that call and to be here again.”My family has been so supportive. When I was telling them my mum was screaming, my dad was shouting as well and then my friends as well.”Playing across three different age groups for England within 11 months does not phase Agyemang. The player who grew up in Southend, Essex and whose club journey with Arsenal began in their academy at six, is determined to deliver no matter which Lionesses side she plays for. Agyemang said: “Wherever I am (in whichever England team) it’s about just going out there, helping the team prepare and winning the trophy.”We still have the Under- 19’s Euros coming up (in June) as well as the senior Euros “It’s been interesting going through the different age groups, meeting different players and coaches. “But I think the England pathway is so similar across the board so it’s really easy to settle in no matter where I am.”Against Portugal at 7:45pm tonight Agyemang hopes to get another chance to make her mark and help England return to winning ways in the Nations League. Should Spain lose to Belgium, a defeat of their opponents at Wembley would see Wiegman’s side return to the top of their group. Agyemang’s last experience of being near Wembley’s pitch was during England’s 4-0 defeat of Northern Ireland in a World Cup qualifier in October 2021.She said: “I was 15 and was a ball girl. They had a few of the girls from (England’s) pathway there. Beth Mead scored (a hat-trick).”Tonight’s game will provide a chance for Agyemang to continue to impress with the striker targeting a place in Sarina Wiegman’s squad for this year’s Euros. In Switzerland on July 5 the Lionesses will begin their push to win the tournament for a second time with a group stage clash with France.Sarina Wiegman’s side are targeting back-to-back wins against Portugal and Spain in their last two Nations League outings before the EurosCredit: GettyAnd Agyemang hopes to be among the players included in Wiegman’s 26-strong group.Read More on The SunThe Arsenal starlet added: “I like to take things one at a time. “Coming here (to England’s camp), showing what I can do in order to maybe get on that plane is my first thought right now.” More

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      Sarina Wiegman ‘sad and disappointed’ by Mary Earps England retirement while Leah Williamson says keeper will be missed

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      SARINA WIEGMAN admitted to being “disappointed and sad” by Mary Earps calling time on her England career. And Leah Williamson revealed she was devastated, describing the former Lioness’s retirement as a huge loss for the team.England skipper Leah Williamson and head coach Sarina Wiegman expressed their sadness concerning Mary Earps’ international retirementCredit: PAWiegman is disappointed that Earps had called time on her England career and says she still wished the former Lionesses goalkeeper was part of her teamCredit: ReutersWilliamson, who together with Earps helped England win the 2022 Euros, described the goalkeeper as her “best friend in football”Credit: AlamyYesterday Wiegman and her captain publicly shared their thoughts in their first press conference in the wake of Earps’ bombshell announcement. Four days ago (May 26) the FA stated the Euros-winning shot stopper had decided to end run as an England player. And the Paris Saint-Germain ace, 32, also shared her career update via her Instagram account. Earps standing down from international duty five weeks before this year’s Euros, means the tournament’s reigning champions will defend their title without their most experienced goalkeeper.Read More Football StoriesHead coach Wiegman is due announce which players have made it into her squad for this year’s Euros in Switzerland on June 5. The Lioness boss, who still wants Earps as part of her squad, said: “I’m really disappointed and sad that she’s not part of the team because I want her in my team. “That (retirement decision) must have been a really hard decision for her and so it is for us. “There have been a couple of conversations which I don’t want to share publicly because that’s between us and it’s hard for her at the same time.”Most read in FootballEarps, who has 53 senior international caps, started in all six games during England’s run to becoming European Champions three years ago. In Australia in 2023, she played a significant role in England reaching the Women’s World Cup final for the first time in their history, Her performance in all seven games would see her win the tournament’s Golden Glove before later being voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year. During the contest’s final Earps produced a dramatic penalty save against Spain keeping out Jenni Hermoso’s spot-kick before her team fell to a 1-0 loss. However since last October the former Man United player has faced a battle to start with Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton. The Blues stopper started in five of England’s last eight international games. Williamson, 26, who skippered the team during the 2022 Euros, said: “I’m devastated (by her England retirement) because I love her and love being her teammate.”Mary is one of my closest friends in football. “We have an extra pair of shoes to fill and also in a number of different areas. “I’m sure the team will be ready for all those eventualities.”Earlier this week The Athletic reported that Sarina Wiegman had told Earps that she would not be her No1 keeper for this year’s Euros. And The Guardian reports Earps, had in April, informed the England boss that she was thinking of retiring. However Wiegman remained tight-lipped on the exact details of her conversation with Earps. The Lioness chief said: “I am in conversations with players all the time. “I don’t give any information about these private conversations we have.  “Hannah Hampton is now the number one. “Before that she was a little bit ahead but at moments you can’t look too far forward because you don’t know what things will happen. “Things in football can change very quickly.”England, who face Portugal at Wembley tomorrow and Spain away in the Nations League next Tuesday, have been hit by fitness issues. Aside from Ella Morris, 22, rupturing a knee ligament, Alessia Russo, 26, and Ella Toone, 25, will both miss tomorrow’s 7:45pm clash due to calf concerns.  And vice-captain Millie Bright, 31, withdrew from England’s camp earlier this week with Arsenal’s Lotte Wubben-Moy called up in her absence. On the Daly Brightness podcast she hosts with ex-Lioness team-mate Rachel Daly, the 88-capped centre-back explained she was at her limit “physically and mentally”. This term the Chelsea skipper led the Blues on a treble-winning trophy charge, lifting the FA and Women’s League Cups and claiming an eighth WSL title. Of her withdrawal from this month’s England camp Bright said: “That is a really hard decision. “But I think you know better than anyone as well – sometimes you just have to take that time for yourself.”You need to value yourself and your mental health and body, and just say that no, right now is not the time for you.”England will face Portugal and Spain in the Nations League without the services of Millie Bright with the Lioness vice-keeper withdrawing from their May campCredit: GettyBright’s England team-mate Williamson added: “That decision for Millie herself to say, ‘I need to take a break’ and to speak out about mental health is a brave thing to do.Read More on The Sun”She’s leading by example and I’ve personally given Millie a bit of space. “Naturally any support that she needs and anything that she needs from the team, we’ll be there to give it to her.” More

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      England ace Ella Morris left ‘devastated’ by knee injury sustained five weeks before Women’s Euros

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      ENGLAND’S Ella Morris has had her Euros selection hopes shattered by a serious knee injury.The uncapped Lionesses defender, 22, ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee during a training session. Ella Morris will miss England’s three remaining games ahead of the start of the Women’s Euros on July 2 after sustaining an ACL injuryCredit: GettyThe rising Tottenham star has returned to her club to begin working on her recovery weeks after receiving her first senior England call-upCredit: GettyThe injury to the Tottenham player, sustained five weeks before the July 2nd start of the Euros, means she will miss England’s bid to remain the tournament’s champions. Morris, who has returned to her club, will also miss the Lionesses’ Women’s Nations League clashes with Portugal tomorrow and Spain next Tuesday (June 3).The ex-Southampton player, who received her first senior international call-up this month,  has ruptured a knee ligament before at the age of 17. In a post published on her Instagram page, she wrote: “From the highest high to the lowest low.Read More Football Stories”Devastated doesn’t even come close. So grateful for the incredible people around me. ACL round 2 – let’s go.”Earlier today Lionesses support staff said they maintain close contact with the player as she works on her recovery. A statement from the FA said: “Everyone involved with the Lionesses wishes Ella the very best with her recovery.”England’s support team will remain in close contact with her and the club.”Most read in FootballLaura Blindkilde Brown has been called up to Sarina Wiegman’s England squad before their Nations League clashes with Portugal and SpainCredit: GettyFollowing Morris’s injury Manchester City’s Laura Blindkilde Brown, 21, has received her third senior call-upThe midfielder has joined Sarina Wiegman’s 26-player squad at St George’s Park as a replacement for Morris.Wiegman and her players will travel to London tomorrow ahead of their 7:45pm clash with Portugal at Wembley on May 30. More

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      Arsenal’s Leah Williamson opens up on tearful moment after Women’s Champions League win and her trophy hunger

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      LEAH WILLIAMSON urged Arsenal to keep on winning silverware after fans’ raucous celebrations of their Champions League triumph.Like fellow club icons Tony Adams and Thierry Henry, the Gunners star wants to be remembered for major trophies wins as well as loyalty to the team.Leah Williamson and her team-mates celebrated their Women’s Champions League with fans gathered outside the Armoury in front of the EmiratesCredit: GettyThousands had flocked to the stadium celebrate the club’s second Women’s Champions League tourmanent winCredit: AlamyWilliamson paid tribute to skipper Kim Little after revealing they both broke down in tears following their defeat of Barcelona in the Champions League finalCredit: GettyChloe Kelly was serenaded by fans who chanted “we want you to stay” with the England forward currently out of contractCredit: GettyAlex Scott invited Arsenal striker Stina Blackstenius to say a few words to the crowd gathered outside the EmiratesCredit: AlamyWilliamson, who broke down in tears after her side’s Champions League final defeat of Barcelona, joined team-mates for a public celebration of their triumph at the Emirates today. The centre-back put in one of her best performances of her career as Spain’s club football queens were shut out during Saturday’s showdown in Lisbon.  Her efforts helped her side secure Arsenal’s second Women’s Champions League trophy win following the club’s first triumph in 2007. And the lifelong Arsenal fan wants her legacy to be about loyalty combined with winning the biggest prizes with the Gunners. Read More Football StoriesWilliamson said: “You have to win trophies and I’m so proud of what we do off the pitch, who we are, how we lead and how we carry ourselves. “I’m so proud of that but I want to win and Arsenal should be winning. “I’ve looked at that legacy all my life and I’ve been aware of that and I wanted to contribute to it. “I don’t want to end my career just being loyal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Loyalty is great but loyalty with trophies is just something else.”This week I’ve spoken to Tony Adams and Thierry Henry, people I watched (when I was young). Arsenal star Katie McCabe leads anti-Tottenham chants and has ‘Jack Wilshere moment’ in Champions League parade”They were incredible and they won and that’s why they are remembered the way they are. “I’m proud that we’re the only team in the land (to have won the Women’s Champions League). “Anybody that’s Arsenal – red and white – is going to have a summer to remember.”This morning thousands of fans flocked outside the Armoury in front of the stadium as  Williamson and her team-mates held their European trophy aloft. And Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe had supporters cheering following her leading expletive laden chants concerning rivals TottenhamAfter a mix of lighthearted and moving short speeches delivered by several players and head coach Renee Slegers, Williamson shared her reflections on her team’s success. Williamson, who spoke to Thierry Henry and Tony Adams this week, wants to be remembered for more than just her loyalty to ArsenalCredit: ReutersAnd she paid a touching tribute to skipper Kim Little, who is currently the team’s long-serving player having made more than 300 appearances. Williamson added: “If you look at this celebration today, the turnout and what we’ve done over the last couple of years, this is the stuff that makes you stay. “(After our win) I dropped to my knees because of the tears and then I went to look for Kim. We were just sobbing.”Kim Little is everything I would want to be as a person. “I’m just glad (for her) because you don’t get recognised sometimes and that’s unjust.  Read More on The Sun”You need to win trophies and to win the biggest things to get what you deserve. Kim deserves everything.”People had the game of their lives and I genuinely don’t know if anyone (on the team) that put a foot wrong in terms of the game plan and what it was meant to be.” More

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      Arsenal star Katie McCabe leads anti-Tottenham chants at Champions League parade – but Win the dog steals the show

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      KATIE McCABE got the party started as Arsenal lifted the Women’s Champions League trophy in front of a huge crowd of supporters outside the Emirates Stadium.The Gunners beat European giants Barcelona 1-0 on Saturday to win their second Champions League title.Katie McCabe got the party started at Arsenal’s Champions League trophy celebrationsCredit: ReutersThe full-back sang an anti-Tottenham chantCredit: GettyMcCabe recreated the moment Jack Wilshere addressed the crowd at Arsenal’s 2015 FA Cup celebrationCredit: AFPStina Blackstenius scored the decisive goal just seven minutes after coming off the bench for midfielder Frida Maanum.Against the odds, Arsenal went on to lift the trophy at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon.After partying into Saturday night – and enjoying a performance by popstar Jess Glyne at their hotel – the Gunners returned to London the following afternoon.They spent Sunday evening partying in Mayfair before taking to the Emirates Stadium on Monday for a trophy lift.READ MORE ON ARSENALAt least 10,000 fans arrived at the ground to watch Renee Slegers and Co parade the silverware.But it was McCabe who stole the show during the presentation, which was hosted by Alex Scott just above the club megastore.The defender took the microphone from the Arsenal icon before breaking into song.McCabe sang chants for the likes of Blackstenius, Slegers and Beth Mead before having a ‘Jack Wilshere moment’ in front of the supporters.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesMuch like the fan-favourite midfielder did in 2015 after Arsenal’s FA Cup final win over Aston Villa, McCabe said: “What do we think of Tottenham?” to which the crowd responded: “S**t!”The full-back then screamed: “What do we think of s**t?” before the fans then replied: “Tottenham!”Inside Katie McCabe and her family’s wild Champions League celebrations after Arsenal’s historic winArsenal’s second mascot, a labrador named Win, also made an appearance at the celebration.She was lifted up to the crowd by Mead after the trophy lift.Speaking about the match, head coach Slegers said: “I’m often very calm and there’s a lot of thoughts and feelings inside me. When the whistle blew for the final, I knew we had two weeks of preparation.”We were so prepared. We were ready, let’s go and see where we’re at and go for the win.”We are working everyday with the players and the staff, there is incredible work being done. When we step on the pitch and see you guys, it makes it all real. Thanks so much, you’ve been incredible.”The club’s labrador Win was lifted up to show the crowd by Beth MeadCredit: Getty More