More stories

  • in

    Heartbreak for ex-Chelsea ace Ramona Bachmann as ACL injury ends hope of playing in Euros for Switzerland

    Attention,
    Our system has indicated that your user behaviour is potentially automated.
    News Group Newspapers Limited does not permit the access, collection, text or data mining of any content from our Service by any automated means whether directly or through an intermediary service. This is stated in our terms and conditions.
    This includes use of content for machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI) purposes, engineering large language models (LLMs) or related generative AI systems.
    If you would like to inquire about the commercial use of our content, please contact crawlerpermissions@news.co.uk. More

  • in

    Arsenal Women enter historic new chapter after winning Champions League as club confirm Emirates Stadium decision

    Attention,
    Our system has indicated that your user behaviour is potentially automated.
    News Group Newspapers Limited does not permit the access, collection, text or data mining of any content from our Service by any automated means whether directly or through an intermediary service. This is stated in our terms and conditions.
    This includes use of content for machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI) purposes, engineering large language models (LLMs) or related generative AI systems.
    If you would like to inquire about the commercial use of our content, please contact crawlerpermissions@news.co.uk. More

  • in

    Spurs sack women’s team boss Robert Vilahamn after waiting even longer than they did to axe Ange

    TOTTENHAM have dropped the axe on Robert Vilahamn’s run as manager of their Women’s Super League side. Their parting of ways with the head coach, 42, follows the team ending the 2024/25 campaign second from bottom.Tottenham confirmed Robert Vilahamn’s departure with the club stating results and performances this season have not been to the level they expectCredit: GettyVilahamn’s exit comes two days after the club ending Ange Postecoglu’s two-year run as their Premier League team’s bossCredit: APTottenham finished 11th in the WSL this season after ending the 2023-24 term in sixth spotCredit: GettyToday the club confirmed their decision to end Vilahamn’s reign which comes two days after them sacking their Prem team boss Ange Postecoglu.The Aussie got the boot 16 days after leading the Londoners to Europa League glory.Their 11th-placed finish is their lowest ever in the WSL and follows a run of just five wins and five draws in 22 games and 12 losses. It also comes one season on from Spurs reaching the Women’s FA Cup final for the first time last year where they fell to a 4-0 defeat to Man United.Read More Football Stories In a written statement today the club said: “There have been some special moments during Robert’s tenure, including reaching the FA Cup final for the first time.”However, results and performances this season have not been to the level we would expect and now is the right time to make a change.”We should like to thank Robert for his professionalism and efforts over the past two seasons, and we wish him well for the future.”Vilahamn’s two-season Tottenham stint follows his three years at Swedish club BK Hacken where he worked as an assistant and then manager of their women’s team.Most read in FootballDuring his time as Hacken head coach he steered them to two Swedish Cup finals and Champions League qualification in 2023.  The Sweden-born manager, who took charge of Tottenham in July that year, enjoyed a promising start in first season at their helm. He guided Spurs to sixth-place in addition to the 2024 FA Cup final. Tottenham’s second from bottom finish in the WSL is their lowest finish in the top tierCredit: GettyHe also steered them to their first ever defeat of Arsenal in the WSL with a 1-0 win against the Gunners at Tottenham Stadium in December 2023. Vilahamn’s departure follows some significant senior level changes at the club. Aside from the head coach’s exit and Postecoglu’s departure, Spurs executive director Donna-Maria Culllen stood down from her role on June 2.  More

  • in

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

    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

  • in

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

    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

  • in

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

    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

  • in

    Why has Mary Earps retired from the England national team?

    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