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      Man City skipper Houghton hails Jill Scott’s ‘dirty work’ for Lionesses ahead of Northern Ireland clash

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      STEPH HOUGHTON praised Jill Scott for doing England’s “dirty work” with the midfield ace due to make her 150th international appearance.
      And it is expected Scott, 34, will wear the skipper’s armband when she steps on to the pitch against Northern Ireland. 

      England ace Steph Houghton reckons Jill Scott is one of the world’s best midfieldersCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The clash at St George’s Park will see Scott become the second England Women’s player to collect 150 caps after record appearance holder Fara Williams. 
      Houghton, 32, said: “I think we sometimes throw the word legend around quite a bit, but to be the second person to get 150 caps is absolutely unbelievable.
      “I’d have Jill in whatever team I play in because I appreciate all the dirty work she does that people probably don’t really recognise.
      “I can always remember her debut (against the Netherlands) and I know how nervous she was. 

      “I think to show that she has been able to play 150 times for her country since the age of 17 or 18, be one of the first names on the teamsheet, and one of the best midfielders in the world is unbelievable.” 
      Houghton, who has made 120 national team appearances, opened up on her most memorable moments in an England shirt including her debut in a 6-0 win against Russia in 2007. 
      And the Man City and Lionesses captain wants to offer a helping hand to the team’s newest additions who include Bristol City forward Ebony Salmon.  
      Houghton said: “I think we have got some great young players coming through 

      Houghton believes deserves praise for doing England’s “dirty work” in midfieldCredit: Getty Images – Getty
       “And I think as a captain it’s just about putting your arm around them, sharing your experiences in different situations and obviously pushing them in training as well.
      “I think back to when I was younger when I first got into the senior team with the likes of Kelly Smith, Rachel Yankey and Faye White, they were really supportive.
      “But at the same time, they pushed me hard to be the best that I could be and be in this position today.”
      England’s match against Northern Ireland will be their first international fixture in almost a year and their first under interim boss Hege Riise. 
      The last game the team played against another nation was a SheBelieves Cup match in March 2020 which the Lionesses lost 1-0 to Spain.

      England’s match against Northern Ireland will be their first international game since March 2020Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      And Riise could be set to give debuts to one or more of the five uncapped starlets called up to the national side. 
      Players include Hannah Hampton, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Ella Toone, as well as Sandy MacIver and Salmon.
      Riise, 51, said: “We will see how the game goes. We have already planned for some subs because of playing time and for us to get to know the young players in games as well. It will be a mix.”

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      Reading ace Brooke Chaplen signs contract extension with WSL club

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      BROOKE CHAPLEN has signed a contract extension with Reading keeping her at the club for another year.
      The 31-year-old has agreed stay at the Madjeski Stadium until June 2022.

      Chaplen has signed a contract extension with the Royals until 2022Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Upon penning the deal, the striker said she hopes to help the club in challenging the top teams in the WSL.
      Chaplen said: “It’s nice to get the contract signed early and shows that the club are keen to keep me, which is great.
      “Obviously, I’ve had a few good years here at Reading and we’re still growing from when I first signed to now.
      “Hopefully we can continue to press the top 3 teams, as we have done in the last few years.”

      Despite the club’s growth she added that it’s “vital” the Royals reach a Cup final in the next few years.
      She continued: “I think it’s vital over the next season or two that we find ourselves in a cup final.
      “We were so close last season and unfortunately I was injured when we got to the semi-final of the FA Cup against West Ham.
      “But for this club, I think we have the talent and the players that, on their day, can take any team.

      “That’s what the FA Cup is about and I think that over the next two seasons, we’d be disappointed as a club not to get to a cup final.
      “We have a lot of ambition and I’m so happy to be a part of it.”
      Chaplen has had an indifferent season at the club, spending most the season on the side-lines due to injury.
      But she’s still and integral part of the team’s plans and boss Kelly Chambers can’t wait to have her back.

      Chambers said: “Brooke has had a huge impact at the club, and she has been truly missed on the pitch this season.
      “Brooke is a player that has a clear understanding of the way we play and that has shown in her previous season records.
      “It’s been an extremely frustrating season for Brooke, but she is working really hard to return and is doing really well, I can’t wait to have her back.”

      Chaplen says she’s happy the club still value her but added it’s vital they reach a cup final in the coming yearsCredit: PA:Press Association

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      Top women’s football leagues in Europe could rake in ‘up to £350m by 2030’

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      THE women’s game could reportedly rake in up to £350 million in media rights by 2030 and also be competing with most men’s sports.
      Chair of Women in Football, Ebru Koksal, reckons women’s football will become a a mainstream sport by then.

      Women’s football could reportedly be worth upto £350 million by 2030Credit: PA:Press Association

      And minus “top tier” men’s football, it could potentially have more viewers than even the EFL Championship and men’s rugby, she claims.
      In an interview with Financial Times Live, she said: “Women’s football will become a mainstream sport property by 2030.
      “Which means that with the exception of top tier men’s football, it will be competing at the level of most sports like second division men’s football, you know rubgy, cricket, tennis perhaps.”
      It could potentially have more viewers than EFL Championship or Premiership rugby.

      This means the top five women’s leagues in Europe could generate up to £216 – £346 million in terms of media rights.
      Interest in women’s football has been on the steady rise, largely due to the 2019 World Cup.
      Following the tournament’s success, BT Sports average peak audience for WSL games was 85,000, according to FA figures released last November.
      The advertising revenue the women’s game will generate in the next decade if Koksal’s prediction are true will be a great addition to the sport.

      Just last week, the FA said that there was no plans to introduce full time refs to the WSL as “there wasn’t enough value” in the women’s game to pay them.
      But they said this could change if the game was given a cash injection from somewhere.

      The top five women’s league could have more viewers than the EFL Championship Koskal claimsCredit: PA:Press Association

      Joanna Stimpson, the FA’s women’s professional game refereeing manager said: “Over the next three years we plan to really increase that level of professionalism around the WSL and the Championship.
      “Will that mean full-time referees in the next three years? No – potentially after that.
      “We don’t know, we wouldn’t like to commit to that, but it is certainly our vision to have full-time match officials for the WSL.
      “But we are unfortunately driven by the value of the league.
      “If there is an injection of income from somewhere then it could change.
      “We want to make sure we have got the infrastructure in place that when we have financial backing we can go with that.”

      Koskal predicts the sport will be on par with most men’s elite sports by thenCredit: Alamy Live News

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      Jill Scott eyes future national coaching role as she prepares for milestone England appearance

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      JILL SCOTT is open to the possibility of coaching the Lionesses in future and nurturing the team’s rising stars. 
      And the England veteran, who is set to receive her 150th cap, hopes to overtake Fara Williams as the national team’s record appearance holder. 

      Jill Scott is set to make her 150th appearance for England when they play Northern IrelandCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Scott, 34, is expected to start against Northern Ireland almost a year after her last international match. 
      And the Man City midfielder, who is on loan at Everton, has loved “every minute” of the coaching opportunities that have come her way this term.
      Scott said: “Just before I left City over Christmas we had a few Covid issues which opened up an opportunity to do a bit more coaching with the girls and I loved it
      “They said they did too and I don’t know if they were just trying to be nice to me but those two weeks before I went to Everton really made me realise that this is what I want to do. 

      “Even though I’m not at City at the moment I’ve still been doing a little bit of mentoring via zoom with the Academy girls because I do want to keep that connection. 
      “I think that’s important and I think, although everyone talks a lot about the importance of coaching on the pitch, I believe massively in 90% of it is in your head and to be able to pass that on to the academy girls is very beneficial. 
      “I hope I can get a coaching role in the future however that may look and it’s just fantastic that City have given me the opportunity to do it.”
      Scott, whose Lionesses career is in its 15th year, hopes to make many more appearances for club and country.

      The former Sunderland star made her England debut as Kelly Smith’s substitute in the team’s 4-0 win against the Netherlands in 2006.

      Scott, 34, sealed a loan move from Man City to Everton is a bid to get more game this seasonCredit: PA:Press Association

      And the midfielder’s bid to secure more game time to maintain her national squad spot led to a temporary return to former club Everton in January. 
      Before this Scott played 104 times for City winning three FA Cups, three Conti Cups and a league title since her move there in 2013. 
      And the WSL ace is relishing the chance to use her Toffees loan to help her surpass Fara Williams’ milestone of 172  England caps. 
      Scott added: “Even mentioning Fara Williams and putting my name next to hers, that is such a massive honour for me to join her hopefully in that 150 Club.
      “I feel like the age of 34 has just creeped up to us, and suddenly I am now one of the oldest players in the squad.
      “It’s probably something that I’ve never really spoken about in the past, but my priority has always been playing for England. 
      “When I’ve reflected on my journey, there have been a couple of opportunities where I had the chance to go abroad to play. 
      “But there was maybe a change in England manager and I really wanted to stay in England and stake my claim, because playing for England is the greatest thing I’ve ever done in my life.
      “Maybe before Christmas things were not going too well for me, I probably didn’t feel like myself. 

      Scott hopes to surpass Fara Williams as the Lionesses’ most capped playerCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      “Manchester City were fantastic and said they would always support us in whatever I wanted to do…so yeah, I think Everton has been so good for us.
      “I am enjoying this so much and playing in the games, being competitive. 
      “So yeah, it was definitely the right decision. Hopefully, it’s something that keeps us in the England team moving forward.”

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      Man City’s Ellen White aims to ramp up England form under Lionesses boss Hege Riise

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      ELLEN WHITE is eager to become more clinical for club and country as England gear up for their first international game in almost a year. 
      The Man City goal machine could be in line to start against Northern Ireland and wants to boost her performances under Hege Riise. 

      Ellen White hopes to improve her international form under interim England Women’s boss Hege RiiseCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      White, 31, has been clinical up top for the title-chasers this term, netting eight goals and providing three assists in 14 WSL games. 
      And the former Birmingham City ace, replaced Vivianne Miedema as the league’s all-time top scorer reaching a tally of 55 goals including four racked up in her last five games. 
      White said: “I feel good at the moment, and hopefully that can continue in this international camp.
      “I want to develop, I want to get better. For me it’s going to be about training hard, playing well for Manchester City and trying to lead by example.

      “I’m more experienced now in terms of having been led by different managers and their philosophies both with my clubs and England.
      “I love playing for my country – I’ve said that so many times – so it’s just a case of working hard and doing things that Hege likes to be part of her England team.”
      White, whose club will take on Birmingham next in the league, could be facing competition in the national side with the emergence of rising stars such as Bristol City’s Ebony Salmon. 
      The Robins forward, who earned her first call-up to England’s senior squad, has netted five goals in 14 top-flight matches for her WSL side. 

      Man City striker White has been in fine form for her club who are second in the WSLCredit: Reuters

      And White, who scored 36 times in 92 Lionesses appearances, says the progress of Salmon, 20, and other starlets is motivating her to perform better.
      White added: “We’ve got some very, very talented youth coming through. 
      “I’m 31 but I still want to develop, and these players are pushing me just as much as I want to push them and help them develop.” 
      England will play Northern Ireland in a friendly encounter at St George’s Park, a month on from Phil Neville, 44, stepping down as head coach and Riise stepping in as a temporary boss. 
      Neville opting to leave his England role earlier than expected to become Inter Miami’s new gaffer means Riise, 51, will take charge of three international camps.
      The gatherings to be overseen by the World Cup winning Norwegian coach will all take place before the September arrival of in-coming Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman. 
      Riise, who is one only three women in the world to win the Olympics, a World Cup and the European Championship, is also set to either oversee or be an assistant coach of Team GB women’s football side at the delayed Tokyo Olympics.
      And White, who played for the team at the London 2012 games, is keen to stake her claim to a spot in the squad. 

      White reckons the the emergence of Ebony Salmon and other rising England stars is helping her improveCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      White added: “Being able to say I am an Olympian … It was an unbelievable experience. 
      “It definitely did help propel women’s football. And to be a part of the Games in Tokyo this summer would be an absolute dream.
      “Obviously we understand it might be a little bit of a different Games, but nonetheless I think it will just be an absolutely phenomenal occasion, to be part of another GB team.”

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      Manchester United starlet Ivana Fuso impresses Brazil coach on her international debut

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      MAN UNITED’S Ivana Fuso received glowing praise from Brazil’s head coach following her senior international debut.
      The Red Devils starlet, 19, came on as a late sub during Brazil’s 4-1 victory over Argentina in the SheBelieves Cup.

      Ivana Fuso impressed Brazil’s head coach during her senior international debutCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And despite a shaky first touch, team boss Pia Sundhage was impressed by the United forward in her 23 minutes of action.
      Sundhage, 61, said: “I liked what I saw. I think her first touch was a little bit off but she then just dug into the game.
      “She is like a Brazilian. She is technical and she is quick.”
      Prior to the match Fuso had a difficult choice to make, as she was born in Brazil but raised in Germany and able to represent either nation.

      The former FC Basel starlet made ten appearances for Germany’s Under-19s and was captain of the side
      But Sundhage hopes Fuso chooses to become a fully-fledged Brazil international in the future.
      Sundhage added: “I hope she will choose the Brazilian national team because she is a really good player.
      “She has a big chance to play a lot of minutes in this team.”

      Fuso joined the Red Devils in July 2020 on a two-year deal.
      The highly-rated forward has made four league appearances for the WSL title-chasers who play Aston Villa next.
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      Pia Sundhage believes Fuso’s future lies with BrazilCredit: Rex Features

      And the Brazil starlet has made a good impression on club boss Casey Stoney.
      Stoney said: “She’s a great character, she’s bubbly and she brings out her personality every day.
      “It’s not been easy for her. To get back on the grass, and hopefully back playing again, will just bring out that smile and she can really start to feel integrated within the club and the team.”
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      Reading star Fara Williams says devastating kidney condition nearly ‘broke’ her

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      FARA WILLIAMS has revealed a kidney condition she was diagnosed with left her emotionally shattered.
      Williams, 37, discovered she had nephrotic syndrome in March 2020 following thigh surgery after a training injury.

      Williams says the kidney condition she was diagnosed with nearly broke herCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The condition which kept her sidelined is caused by an excess leak of protein from a person’s bloodstream into their urine.
      And it can lead to swelling in the legs and ankles.
      In a BBC interview, Williams said: “I see myself as mentally tough, and that’s something that’s stood well for me throughout my career.
      “But, yeah, this one broke me. For the first time in my career I wasn’t in control of my body, the medication took over.

      “As I was coming off the steroids, that was when I started getting the side-effects – hair growing on your face and hands and where it shouldn’t grow on women.
      “My face was swollen – moon face, as they call it – which was explained to me but I didn’t understand how it would affect me mentally, especially with image being such a big factor in the women’s game.
      “No matter what I was doing in my diet it wasn’t helping.”
      Although not physically at her best, Williams made a return to Women’s Super League action in Reading’s game against West Ham.

      But the Royals ace was subbed after just 16 minutes.
      And the striker, who is currently England’s most-capped female player, felt a return to football action would help her cope with her condition.
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      Fara Williams contracted nephrotic syndrome in March 2020Credit: Instagram / @fara44

      The condition can lead to swelling in legs and anklesCredit: Instagram / @fara44
      Williams added: “I’ve relied on football and it has been my go-to over my career and maybe I believed I needed to be in it to deal with the illness.
      “But that was the time when I accepted I was ill and while I was on medication, I probably wasn’t going to perform to the levels I expected of myself.
      “But pushing as much as I was and feeling like I was failing at every attempt wasn’t a great feeling.
      “I also wasn’t able to be honest with my team-mates about how I was feeling and I was keeping it to myself.
      “I’ve always been honest and open with people but throughout this illness I wasn’t able to be honest with it and with the people around me.”
      “When I did tell them, I broke down because I was feeling vulnerable throughout the illness – my body wasn’t allowing me to do the things my head wanted to do.”
      Williams, who has had an illustrious career making 170 England appearances, shared the news of her illness on social media.
      And the former Liverpool star is currently working with England Women’s Under-17s as part of an FA Elite Coaching Programme.

      Williams says football helped take her mind off her illnessCredit: Peter Tarry – The Sunday Times
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      Arsenal striker Beth Mead and Man United’s Millie Turner called up to England squad following injuries

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      BETH MEAD and Millie Turner are to join the Lionesses at St George’s Park ahead of England’s friendly against Northern Ireland. 
      The Arsenal and Man United duo have been drafted in following injuries to Chelsea’s Millie Bright and Fran Kirby. 

      Beth Mead, 25, has been called up to England Women’s squad ahead of their match against Northern IrelandCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Manchester United defender Millie Turner, 24, will join the Lionesses’ training campCredit: Rex Features

      The FA says Bright, 27, has withdrawn from the national team’s training camp and will return to her club for treatment. 
      And her Blues team-mate Kirby, who won February’s WSL Player of the Month award, is thought to have picked up a minor injury during Chelsea’s 5-0 win against Bristol City. 
      It means that Kirby, 27, – who has been on fire for the champions netting 11 goals in 12 games – has been ruled out of England’s game against Northern Ireland. 
      And it could see Mead, who was a surprise omission from interim coach Hege Riise’s squad list, in line to receive her 26th cap. 

      England Women’s coach, Hege Riise said: “Millie Turner and Beth Mead now have an excellent opportunity to impress me and my coaching team on this camp and we look forward to welcoming them here.  
      “Being resilient, adaptable and versatile is what we are all about and it is a privilege to be working with such a talented and ambitious group of players.
      “We always knew this would be a complex camp, but we are delighted to have a fixture against Northern Ireland to prepare ourselves for this week and I have been very impressed by the spirit and determination I have witnessed from our players in camp so far.” 

      Fran Kirby picked up a slight injury during Chelsea’s 5-0 away win against Bristol CityCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

      England will be up against a Northern Ireland side on the verge of making history following their impressive run in the Euro 2022 qualifiers.

      Should they be successful in their play-offs Kenny Shiels’ squad could become the first Northern Ireland women’s side to reach a major international tournament. 
      A recent spate of injuries means Shiels has had to name a youthful squad ahead of their clash with the Lionesses at St George’s Park. 
      And the Northern Ireland boss will be without several key figures who helped his team beat the Faroe Islands 5-1 in their final Euros group stage match. 
      Injured players include Glasgow Rangers duo Demi Vance and Megan Bell and siblings Kirsty and Caitlin McGuiness. 
      But Shiels, who has been linked with the vacant Team GB women’s football coach role, wants his players to use the experience to help their Euros play-off chances. 

      Kenny Shiels wants Northern Ireland to use their game against England as preparation for their Euro 2022 play-offsCredit: Press Eye Ltd
      Shiels said: “We’re not saying we can go and beat England. We’re saying we can go and learn from England. 
      “That’s the whole message to the players. We have to have realism.
      “We will give England as good and as competitive a game as we can but more importantly it will help us with our play-offs when they come.”
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