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    Fans’ concerns will not affect WPLL ‘perspective’ on Women’s Super League relegation options

    FANS’ opposition to pausing relegation from the women’s top tier is unlikely to shift officials’ “perspective” on possible changes to the division.However, women’s game bosses say supporters will be consulted.The Women’s Professional League Limited (WPLL) are “reviewing various options” in regard to speeding up the growth of the Women’s Super LeagueCredit: GettyAccording to the WPLL fans will be consulted on any changes to the structure and function of the women’s game’s top two divisionsCredit: GettyNikki Doucet, the chief of Women’s Professional League Limited (WPLL), was speaking on Thursday following reports of a temporary scrapping of relegation from the WSL. The idea of a potential four-year suspension of the drop between the top-flight and the second tier, has been met with a backlash from some fans.This includes a group running an online petition opposing the idea, which has attracted more than 1,400 signatures. However Doucet, who is in charge of the WPLL, the independent company running the WSL and Women’s Championship, insists no decisions have been made on changes to the top league’s format. Read More Football StoriesShe told reporters: “We fundamentally believe promotion and relegation is an important differentiator and an important competitive advantage for us, relative to other women’s sport leagues globally.”It adds jeopardy and excitement. It’s something we all love about the game of football and that has never been under question.”It is really important for us to make sure we are considering all the possibilities to accelerate growth and to grow in the right way. “We wouldn’t be doing our job properly if we weren’t considering and reviewing the various options available to us.”Most read in FootballThe idea of (temporarily) scrapping relegation from the WSL has prompted mixed reaction from some of the sport’s influential figures.Former UK sport chair Baroness Sue Campbell reckons it could give the division “its own distinctive personality”. However Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor believes relegation is “good to have” in terms of competition. When asked if fans’ outcry over the possibility of scrapping relegation had affected the WPLL’s perspective, Doucet insists there has been no wavering.She adds: “Our perspective or analysis hasn’t changed. “We have been very thoughtful on the analysis of the different possibilities around us.”We have to look at the range of possibilities that are available to us and the pros and cons of all of those and be really thoughtful”We deeply understand the impact of decisions and the impact of everything done at the top, that it cascades down the pyramid.”One concern for supporters running the petition urging fans to voice their opinions on the WSL’s future was the idea of the top-flight becoming a closed league. However the Football Association, who hold certain powers to prevent such a move, are likely to oppose this. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “We do have certain golden share powers, as we do in the Premier League.“I think over the last few years we’ve been asked a few times whether we would accept a closed league and our response has always been no. “The reason for that is not just a pure moral sporting point of view, we don’t think in the long-term that it’s smart commercially because you end up with a lot of dead rubbers. “However, we think that some of the ideas being put forward at the moment are worth considering on the proviso that there’s still promotion into the league. FA chief Mark Bullingham says the FA would be supportive of WSL changes that lead to improved academies, player pathways and minimum standards for clubsCredit: Getty“I think there’s a difference between not having relegation and allowing the league to grow through promotion with no relegation, versus having a closed league. READ MORE SUN STORIES“If we get presented with a package of changes that’s good for the women’s game overall, then we could potentially be supportive, but we would need to look at that overall package.“I’m talking about academies, minimum standards, player pathways, and within the context of that there’s a change to the number of clubs in the league brought about through having promotion and no relegation.” More

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    UK to make bid to host 2035 football Women’s World Cup as PM says tournament could be ‘monumental moment’ for country

    THE UK is set to make a blockbuster bid to host the 2035 football Women’s World Cup.Prime Minister Keir Starmer said holding the biggest tournament in the sport on British soil will be a “monumental moment” for the country.The UK is set to make a blockbuster bid to host the 2035 football Women’s World Cup following on from the Lionesses big win at Euro 2022Credit: GettyEngland’s players receiving the runners up medals at the 2023 Women’s World CupCredit: AFPThe Wembley Arch lit up red and white prior to the Uefa Women’s Nations League match between England and Spain last monthCredit: GettyEngland have an illustrious history with performing well at major football events held at home.The men’s side won the World Cup in 1966 with a thrilling final win in Wembley.Sarina Wiegman’s women’s side took home England’s second ever international trophy and its first ever Euros Championship when they “returned football home” in 2022.The FA has now officially registered their interest in the upcoming 2035 Women’s World Cup with hopes of again lifting a major trophy. read more in women’s footballEngland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are due to collectively submit an expression of interest to FIFA for the right to host the tournament. The FIFA Council has already recommend the 2035 competition has European or African hosts. Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke on the historic bid as he said: “Football is and always will be at the core of our country’s identity.”Whether we watch on TV, play at the weekends like I do, or simply enjoy soaking up the atmosphere in the pub, it brings communities together like little else. Most read in Football”That pride was on full display when England hosted UEFA Women’s EURO 2022. “It not only showed the best of our nation to the world but inspired a generation of girls into the game, all whilst boosting the economy. Devastated Lionesses collapse in tears on the pitch as bid to make Women’s World Cup history falls agonisingly short”The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035 on home turf would be another monumental moment in our sporting history, driving growth and leaving a lasting legacy.”He added that the bid will have his government’s full support. The declaration of interest will need to be submitted to FIFA in the first quarter of 2025 before a decision is made at some point in 2026.If the FA manage to land the lucrative deal then it will be the first ever Women’s World Cup held in Britain.It will also be only the second time a World Cup has been held in the UK since the 1966 men’s tournament.Several stadiums across the British Isles are expected to be used with the final set to be held at Wembley like usual.Mark Bullingham, the CEO of the English FA, said hosting the tournament would be an honour. He continued: “We strongly believe that we could organise a fantastic tournament, building on the success of the UEFA Women’s EURO in 2022 and the subsequent rapid growth of the women’s game in England. “We’re excited about the opportunity to welcome the world, and hosting participating nations and fans in sold-out stadiums. “There is outstanding support for the women’s game in this country and we want to maximise this, not only for women’s and girls’ football here but also for the benefit of the global game.”One of the biggest competitors for the British bid is expected to come from South Africa. READ MORE SUN STORIESSimon Morton, UK Sport’s deputy chief executive, said last year: “The Women’s World Cup is the biggest sporting event that the UK has never hosted and so in that respect, it has a special appeal to us. “There is definitely an aspiration to host it in the 2030s.”England won the 1966 World Cup at Wembley almost 60 years agoCredit: GettyEngland captain Leah Williamson holding up the Euro 2022 trophyCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunSarina Wiegman with the Euro 2022 trophyCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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    Former Championship star, 39, working TWO international manager jobs at once ahead of World Cup qualifiers

    SCOTT WISEMAN has seen his workload double after landing a SECOND international management job.The former Championship star was already the boss of Gibraltar’s women’s team.Scott Wiseman has two head coach roles in GibraltarCredit: YoutubeHe enjoyed a solid career in the EFLCredit: PA:Press AssociationWiseman (back row second from left) earned 38 caps for GibraltarCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun GlasgowNow the 39-year-old has taken charge of the men’s team too.Wiseman retired from playing back in May 2023, having played in England’s second tier with Hull and Barnsley.He hung up his boots following a three-year spell at Lincoln Red Imps in Gibraltar.He was a full international for the British territory as he collected 38 caps.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWiseman took up a job with the national set-up as he started coaching the Under-16s.Not long after retiring, he was made the head coach of the Gibraltar women’s team as well as the U19 women’s team.He now has an even bigger workload as he has landed the top job in the men’s team.The Gibraltar FA confirmed his appointment with a brief statement and confirmed that his role with the women remains “unaffected.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt read: “The Gibraltar Football Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Wiseman as Interim Head Coach of the Gibraltar Men’s National Team for the upcoming Fifa World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers against Montenegro and Czechia later this month.”Scott’s current role with the Women’s National Team remains unaffected.”Football Fixers | Cutting it with Premier League Football StarsWiseman’s playing careerHere is a look at Scott Wiseman’s playing career before he went into coaching…Club career:Hull City, 2003–2007Appearances: 17Goals: 0Assists: 0Boston United, 2005 loanAppearances: 2Goals: 0Assists: 0Rotherham United, 2006–2007 loanAppearances: 21Goals: 1Assists: 0Darlington, 2007–2008Appearances: 20Goals: 0Assists: 0Rochdale, 2008–2011 and 2018 loanAppearances: 127Goals: 1Assists: 8Barnsley, 2011–2014Appearances: 111Goals: 1Assists: 4Preston North End, 2014-2015Appearances: 48Goals: 2Assists: 2Scunthorpe United, 2015-2017Appearances: 5Goals: 2Assists: 4Chesterfield, 2017-2018Appearances: 29Goals: 0Assists: 1Salford City, 2018-2020Appearances: 81Goals: 4Assists: 7Lincoln Red Imps, 2020-2023Appearances: 75Goals: 3Assists: 8International career:Gilbraltar, 2013–2023Caps: 38Goals: 0Assists: 1He will be trusted straight into the deep end with two World Cup qualifiers around the corner.Wiseman will be in the dugout for Gibraltar’s matches against Montenegro and the Czech Republic on March 22 and 25.Following those fixtures, he will have to switch his focus back to his duties with the women’s team.He has already led them into the first Nations League clashes and will have the second round of fixtures in April.The first game ended in a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Moldova, which was then followed by another close loss to the Faroe Islands.Speaking after the Moldova match, Wiseman hailed how far the team had come.He said: “When they realized how far they’ve come, they had their own personal win and their own team win despite the result.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It was a tough end to the match in Moldova in our opening group game, but a great team performance.”I think there were only positives; the disappointment of conceding so late subsided pretty quickly after the game.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Concerned WSL fans launch petition opposing plan to scrap relegation from women’s top tier

    A “concerned” WSL supporters  group has set up a petition opposing “the idea of no relegation” from the Women’s Super League.  Their online plea in response to proposals to put a pause on teams dropping into the second tier, went live on Monday.Clubs are set to be given a chance to vote on proposals to temporarily pause relegation from the WSL the Women’s ChampionshipCredit: AlamyAn petition calling for supporters to have their say on the proposal went live on Monday 3 FebruaryCredit: PAAs of 8:30pm this evening their petition on Change.org had attracted 892 signatures.Later this year WSL and Women’s Championship clubs are set to vote on plans for a temporary halt on sides dropping down into the second tier.  The aim would be to increase the top-flight from 12 to 16 sides. On Sunday The Guardian reported the suggestions were put forward by Women’s Professional League Limited, the football authority in charge of overseeing both divisions. . Read More Football StoriesA vote involving all 23 sides in WSL and the second tier is reportedly set to take place by the end of this term. The WPLL’s proposals would entail relegation from the top-flight being halted from the 2026-27 season and then returning for the 2030-31 campaign.  Promotion of one team per term from the Championship to the league would remain in place.  The motivation behind the proposal is to encourage more investment in top-flight women’s teams in a bid to make the top-flight more competitive. Most read in FootballHowever a group called Concerned WSL fans believe such a move would go against “all English football tradition”. They believe pausing relegation could go “against the interests of those outside the very top of the football chain”. And on its Change.org page, the group says it wants football fans to “voice their opinion”.It also stated: “This petition is for all those against this idea of no relegation and a closed league for any amount of years, in an attempt to be heard before having the rug pulled out from under our feet before we even have a chance.”In the first year of its existence in 2011 the WSL operated as a closed league of eight teams without promotion or relegation. A second tier was established in 2014 and was initially called WSL 2 before being renamed the Women’s Championship. Calls for the WSL’s expansion have been made in the past by some of the game’s most influential figures. These include ex-Chelsea boss Emma Hayes who now manages the United States women’s national team. Plans to expand the WSL from 12 to 16 teams would involve a pause on relegation for four seasonsCredit: AlamyBack in 2023 the then Blues chief stated more teams should be added in order to grow the game.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn October that year, Hayes said: “I think the question we should be asking is, ‘when are we going to make our league a little bit bigger?’ “It’s time to grow. It’s time to go from 12 to 16 or 18 teams.” More

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    Aitana Bonmati insists Spain players’ equality battle ‘has not been in vain’ following Rubiales case verdict

    AITANA BONMATI reckons Spain have become even stronger after “suffering” in their equality battle.The La Roja playmaker hailed Sarina Wiegman and England’s stars for sympathising with her team’s ordeal.Aitana Bonmati hopes Spain’s national women’s team will be better respected following sexual assault conviction of ex-Spanish football chief Luis RubialesCredit: ReutersBonmati and her Spain team-mates are set to face England at Wembley in the Women’s Nations LeagueCredit: PABonmati was speaking in support of her national team-mate Jenni Hermoso who filed a criminal complaint against RubialesCredit: ReutersRubiales kissing Hermoso on the mouth after the 2023 World Cup final sparked outrage and protests in SpainCredit: ReutersBonmati, 27, was speaking earlier Tuesday ahead of Spain’s Wembley duel with the Lionesses on Wednesday night. The February 25 clash comes six days after Luis Rubiales, 47, was convicted of sexual assault following a trial at Spain’s High Court. The former Spanish Football Federation boss was  found guilty of kissing Spain striker Jenni Hermoso, 34, on the mouth without her consent. However Rubiales, who was fined 10,800 euros (£8,274), but spared a prison sentence, was acquitted of a separate charge of coercion.Read More Football StoriesThe controversial incident occurred shortly after Hermoso’s side beat England 1-0 in the World Cup final in Sydney, Australia August 2023. A month later Rubiales resigned following Fifa banning him from football  for three years, after initially resisting calls to stand down After the ex-Spanish football chief was acquitted of allegedly attempting to pressure Hermoso into saying the kiss was consensual, the 110-capped striker said she intends to appeal. And she hopes the outcome of the case, which sparked nationwide protests in her country, has set an “important precedent”. Most read in FootballBarcelona star Bonmati said: “Everybody here knows what has happened in the last few months and years. “The sentence is correct, it is a positive thing and the team feels the same. “I was surprised there was no sentence linked to coercion but the trial has served a purpose. “We are all happy. We have been doing well on the pitch and supporting our teammates. “We have battled hard and we know what we have done has not been in vain.”I hope this case makes changes in our country, in our football, to respect us better as footballers. “But it’s also a global case. I don’t want to only speak about footballers as I think this happens in other jobs. “I hope this case helps anyone who is going through these things.”Lucy Bronze and Alessia Russo are among the Lionesses who have spoken out in support of Spain’s stars. Bronze, who joined Chelsea last July, played for two years with Bonmati at Barcelona after joining the club in June 2022. Sarina Wiegman and her England aces have been supportive of Spain’s players’ pushing for federation changes and better working conditions. And two-time Euros-winning boss Wiegman hopes their ordeal leads to changes for the better for their team.  The Lioness gaffer said: “It’s a testament to the players to be so brave to speak out but also to still be performing at the level they are.”It’s really a shame that they’ve had to go through this.”Bonmati added: “I heard Sarina speaking a lot of times and supporting us with our issues.”I appreciate her words and also Lucy Bronze’s and Alessia Russo’s. England boss Sarina Wiegman said Spain players’ were “brave to speak out”Credit: PA”We didn’t feel alone on this issue. READ MORE SUN STORIES”They also feel it’s a global case not only a Spanish case.”They feel our suffering and they support us so I appreciate that a lot.” More

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    Alessia Russo says England are focused on playing best football against Spain – not revenge for World Cup ‘hurt’

    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

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    ‘World’s sexiest footballer’ Alisha Lehmann drops major hint over second career in modelling after lingerie shoot

    The world’s most feted female footballer online is ready for a racy new Alisha life.Even Roger Federer hasn’t served up as big a presence on Instagram as Alisha Lehmann, who is Switzerland’s top sporting influencer.Alisha Lehmann says it’s important to ‘feel good’Credit: Instagram @tezenisofficialShe was delighted with these ‘really beautiful’ picturesCredit: Instagram @tezenisofficialThe photos drew more than 500k likes on InstagramCredit: Instagram @tezenisofficialThe Swiss forward joined Juventus from Aston Villa last summerCredit: GettyNow the striker’s following could soar further – after she revealed she is keen to do more lingerie modelling.Lehmann had raised her profile on the pitch even further last summer when she made a unique piece of transfer history.The 26-year-old and boyfriend Douglas Luiz both switched from Aston Villa to Juventus.Unfortunately Luiz has struggled for a regular start with the men’s team, while Lehmann is currently out injured for the women’s side.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut off the field she’s made great strides – with a possible second career beckoning.Lehmann attracted more than 500,000 Instagram likes when she shared a photoshoot with underwear brand Tezenis ahead of Valentine’s Day.Now she’s confirmed she’d love to take it further – with more such glamour roles.Lehmann told 20 minutes: “We really worked together well and had a great shoot. Most read in Football”We were able to take some really beautiful pictures. I’m happy!”Lehmann – regularly called “the world’s sexiest footballer” – then revealed some of her inner, winner, linger-ie secrets.Alisha Lehmann in space gearThe former West Ham player said: “For a woman who is confident and wants to show that she is confident, it is important that she feels good. “And this lingerie is really very comfortable. What I also like is that it is underwear that every woman can wear. “No matter what her body type is. I really like wearing it myself.”Lehmann’s followers appeared delighted with her news in briefs.And one described her as the “the most beautiful footballer of all time”.That’s quite a statement for the “beautiful game”.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd not many fans engaged with that argument.But plenty made a more simple claim – that “Douglas Luiz is a lucky man”.A glimpse into the life of the influencer…Alisha is top of the crops online with a huge haul of followersCredit: https://www.instagram.com/alishalehmann7/?hl=enAlisha and partner Douglas Luiz both joined JuveCredit: instagram @alishalehmann7She was a sight for sauna eyes in this shotCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7The 26-year-old has 16.7m followers on InstagramCredit: instagram @alishalehmann7Alisha previously played for Aston VillaCredit: RexLehmann was one of the WSL’s top starsCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7She has amassed a loyal followingCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7Lehmann was asked if she could send Drake one of her football shirtsCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7The footballer is sponsored by PrimeCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7She is also a 58-cap Switzerland internationalCredit: Getty More

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    Millie Bright says England ‘have a lot of work to do’ before facing Nations League rivals Spain

    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