Women’s Super League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 163 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall says player-coach relationships in football would be ‘very inappropriate’

      by

      JONAS EIDEVALL and a number of WSL bosses have criticised player and manager relationships in football, with the Arsenal boss calling them “inappropriate”. Aston Villa gaffer Carla Ward echoed Eidevall’ stating they made her very angry.Jonas Eidevall says football’s governing bodies need to take a strong stance on player-coach relationshipsCredit: GettyCarla Ward believes relationships between managers and players should be a sackable offenceCredit: GettyEidevall, 41, was speaking ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Stamford Bridge on Friday. His title chasers, who are third, will take on Women’s Super League leaders Chelsea.The clash comes a week after Willie Kirk was suspended by Leicester while the club investigates allegations of a relationship with one of their players.It also comes over a month after Jonathan Morgan was sacked from his Sheffield United Women’s boss role. Read More Football StoriesHis departure followed information coming to light “concerning a relationship with a player” during his Foxes tenure.When asked about the idea of relationships occurring between coaches and footballers, Eidevall flagged concerns about player welfare.The Arsenal boss, whose side are third and three points behind Chelsea, said: “It’s very inappropriate for a number of reasons.”But I think it’s a clear ‘no’ with relationships between player and manager.Most read in Football”If you look at women’s football, when you look in the past, and there’s no doubt, if you look, and you read the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) reports that there are major issues within the game.”And there have been major issues in the game in the past as well, which probably, unfortunately, tells you that there still are issues at some places for it. “And that concerns me from a player-welfare perspective.”Eidevall’s comments come almost 15 months after the USA-based NWSL and the league’s players’ association published a report raising concerns around inappropriate player-coach relationships.Following a 14-month investigation into misconduct within the division, it called for an end to consensual relationships between managers and players or team staff.On the need for governing bodies to look into safeguarding, Eidevall added: “I absolutely think that governing bodies, leagues, clubs, associations need to be strong on that because I do think it’s very inappropriate.“I think it goes out over the player welfare, which is very, very sad.”In most situations where it would be like do you have whistle-blower mechanisms in place? “What different ways of communicating do you have if you feel that inappropriate things are going on in the environment you are in?“Or are you in a closed environment where you feel you don’t have any good way out?“That’s just to make sure that players in this instance have the relevant communication ways to be able to report if anything inappropriate is going on.”That could be inappropriate relationships, but it could also be other things. It’s safeguarding and making sure people are safe.”Ward, 40, whose eighth-placed Villans take on Everton on Saturday,  was asked if player-coach relationships should be a sackable offence.In response she said “yes” and added: “When you talk about, ‘where does the line get drawn? “I think it’s very simple – when the game got professionalised, you can’t cross that line.“There’s talk of pre-professionalised, there was a social aspect.“When I was a player, it was a very social aspect but now we’re talking about levels that are parent-teacher in my opinion. You can’t do it.”Spurs Women’s boss Vilhamn, whose team host Leicester on Sunday, also insists it’s not acceptable for players and managers to be in relationships. The Tottenham head coach said: “Me as a coach, I am in a power position with players and staff. “I think it’s very unprofessional. For me it’s unacceptable. Emma Hayes shared her thoughts on the issue and also believes relationships between players in teams can be improper. The Chelsea manager said: “We have to look at it in the context of where the game has come from. Emma Hayes believes football needs to have high standards when it comes to player safeguardingCredit: Getty”We have say, look, we’re in a professional era now where the expectations in place for players and coaches is such that all of our focus and attention has got to be on having the top standards. READ MORE SUN STORIES”That’s why I’ve always been an advocate of making sure clubs have minimum standards whether it’s code of conduct, player safeguarding, player welfare. “I don’t think it’s just in and around player-coach relationships.” More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘There have been ups and downs, but I’ve learned and grown as a player’, says Brighton’s Maria Thorisdottir

      by

      MARIA THORISDOTTIR says her time in English football has been a “roller coaster”.But now the centre-back, 30, is thriving at Brighton, seven years after leaving her comfort zone and moving to England from Norwegian club Klepp.Maria Thorisdottir hopes Brighton will have better luck against Man Utd in the FA Cup following a narrow 3-2 semi-final loss to them last yearCredit: PAThe Norway ace is enjoying life with the Seagulls and a consistent role as a centre-back for the teamCredit: GettyThorisdottir, whose Albion side play her old club Man Utd in the Women’s FA Cup quarter-final later, is among the WSL’s more experienced pros.The Norway defender made 94 Chelsea and Red Devils appearances prior to her move to the south coast last summer.She said: “I’ve been here for a long time and on a journey from 2017. “This is one of the best leagues in the world at the moment, especially in Europe.”For me, there have been some ups and downs and a lot of challenges.”But I’ve learned a lot and I’ve grown as a player. “I’ve played different positions, played in different teams and had to adapt a lot to changes. But right now, I’m just loving it.”September 2017 was when Thorisdottir, took the plunge and decided to leave Klepp, the side where she got her first experience of football at a senior level.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL The Norwegian club, based in a seaside town that shares its name, was a team she expected to play for “forever”.Her first taste of life in the women’s game here was a three-year stint at WSL giants Chelsea.Fans ask ‘WTF is this?’ as light show is performed from Old Trafford ‘leaky roof’ before Man Utd’s WSL defeat to CityThe player, born in the city of Stavanger in southwest Norway, made 26 appearances in her first season helping them win a league and FA Cup double.However, injuries and surgery on her ankle, disrupted the later stages of her Blues spell with the player leaving for Man United in January 2021 before joining Albion last August.Thorisdottir, who has 68 senior international caps, added: “Coming to Chelsea first was a big step from my home club (Klepp).”I never thought of moving away from Norway at all.”I was always thinking I’m going to stay at home and play for Klepp the whole of my life.”But I felt ready to try something new and going to Chelsea was a big step.”I went there as a centre-back, but I didn’t really play centre-back that much. I played in other positions and had to adapt.”I moved to United and was brought in by Casey (Stoney the club’s former boss) as a centre-back but played more as a full-back. “Then Marc (Skinner) came in and it was more of the same.”At Brighton, I have played in one position. With consistency in one position, it gives you confidence and you grow as a player.“You kind of wish that happened before but there’s also positives to playing in different positions. It’s been a roller coaster, but I have enjoyed it.“I’m not the loudest (player), but I do like to help lead the team in a quieter way.”A roller coaster would describe the ride Brighton have been on this term with the sacking of former women’s boss Mel Phillips after ten months in charge.Last season under their old boss the team won their fight to avoid the drop last term finishing five points above and one place above relegated Reading.The Seagulls also pushed Man Utd all the way in the battle for an FA Cup final spot losing 3-2 to Marc Skinner’s side.And they picked up a surprise 1-0 away win in the league against United’s second-placed title chasing neighbours Man City last November.A performance that led Phillips to describe Thorisdottir as a player who functions as a coach on the pitch.The Norway star added: “It’s always an honour to get comments like that from a manager.“I have learned a lot along the way so it’s nice especially to help players around you“I’ve known myself when I was younger, how important it was (being around) the players that were experienced at that time.“Being a role model, or at least someone that can step up, and help is important.”Today’s clash between Albion and the Red Devils will see Thorisdottir face her old club in the FA Cup for the first timeCredit: GettyBrighton, who were from second bottom at the time of Phillips’ departure have moved up to ninth under interim gaffer Mikey Harris.This evening the Seagulls take on a United side who have faltered in the WSL this term and are currently nine points off a Champions League spot.Her old club’s 1-1 draw with West Ham in the top last Sunday has seen Red Devils boss Skinner come in for criticism from fans.And the FA Cup quarters duel follows Brighton’s 7-3 drubbing of Bristol City last Sunday.Mikey Harris wants Albion to build on their 7-3 thrashing of Bristol, one of their biggest match wins of the season so farCredit: GettyThorisdottir’s team had six different players on the scoresheet including her Norwegian compatriot Elisabeth Terland.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe added: “United have been up and down this season, but we know they are a good team.”They really want to win a trophy, and this is their chance. We’re going to do everything we can to beat them. But it’s going to be tough.” More

    • 225 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Leicester women’s manager Willie Kirk ‘probed over allegations of relationship with own player and will miss next match’

      by

      LEICESTER CITY WOMEN’S manager Willie Kirk has allegedly been suspended over an alleged relationship with a player.The WSL club confirmed on Friday that they have launched an investigation.Leicester City manager Willie Kirk has been suspendedCredit: PAThe WSL club are investigating allegations he has had an alleged relationship with a playerCredit: GettyAnd Kirk will not be in the dug-out for their clash against Liverpool this weekend.The Guardian reported the news amid the shock allegations of the relationship between the 45-year-old coach and one of his stars.A statement from the Foxes then said: “Willie Kirk is assisting the club with an internal process, the outcomes of which will be determined in due course.“Assistant manager Jennifer Foster and first-team coach Stephen Kirby will take charge of the team for Saturday’s FA Women’s Cup tie at Liverpool.”READ MORE ON SPORTKirk arrived at Leicester in July 2022 as director of football.He then replaced Lydia Bedford as manager that November and has held that position since.They were on a six-match pointless run when he took charge but he helped them to beat the drop and guided them to a tenth place finish.Kirk started his managerial career in Scotland at Hibernian.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAfter a brief spell with Scottish non-league Preston Athletic’s men’s side, he then entered management in the WSL.He enjoyed three years in charge of Bristol City but left to sign for Manchester United as Casey Stoney’s assistant.BBC suffer huge technical error just seconds into Chelsea vs Man Utd as already-limited coverage descends into farceHowever, he did not stay long with the Red Devils as just six months later he was off to become boss of Everton in December 2018.He was sacked after recording just two wins from their opening five games of the 2021/22 season.Kirk is yet to comment publicly regarding the shock allegations.Speaking to The Telegraph in February 2022 regarding his Everton axe, the coach spoke of the “absolutely invaluable” family time he had managed to enjoy.Kirk said: “As much as I’d probably have jumped straight into another job after a week, reflecting back, the extra family time has been absolutely invaluable.“It’s not often, as a football manager, that you get to have a Christmas holiday. But I’ve wanted to make sure that I never just started taking lie-ins just because I could, so I’ve been pretty strict with getting up at 6am, and I’ve found the motivation to get to the gym a lot more.”Prior to landing his role at Leicester, he had been working as a TV pundit covering WSL action.And he revealed how “big cuddles” from a baby and his family had helped to “keep everything in perspective”.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “Looking at things through a different lens will actually help me become a better coach. And when we speak to the coaches on camera after the game, you’re a little bit more sympathetic because you’ve been in their shoes.“Fortunately for me, family helps keep everything in perspective. You might have a fantastic victory but you can still come home to a crying baby, or you might have a really bad, hurtful defeat but you come home to a big cuddle. They quickly take your mind off the result.” More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Female footballer vows to boycott national team after she’s called ‘fat and out of shape’ by country’s football chief

      by

      PANAMA’S top female player has threatened to quit playing for her country after the nation’s football chief called her “fat and out of shape”.World Cup history-maker Marta Cox vowed to boycott the team if federation president Manuel Arias persists with “hurtful” comments.Marta Cox, seen in Panama’s 5-0 Concacaf defeat to Brazil last month, hit back at criticism from the supremo of her country’s football rulersCredit: Reuters[embedded content]Cox, 26, found fame with Panama Women’s first-ever goal in the showpiece tournament last August – a top-corner free-kick for 35 yards.But the team had a woeful CONCACAF W Gold Cup over the last few weeks, crashing out after losing all three group games.And Cox, who plays for Mexico’s Club Tijuana, angered Arias afterwards when she criticised facilities back home.The supremo of Panama’s football rulers responded by telling local media: “Marta Cox stopped to talk about our league. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”She’s out of shape, she’s fat, she couldn’t move on the pitch.”It’s very easy to talk, but she doesn’t know anything about the Panama league for years, she doesn’t know what’s going on here.”Shocked Cox hit back – as she stuck to her guns about footballing conditions in her native country and warned Arias about his personal comments.The exciting 20-cap ace, who has spent most of her career in Colombia and Mexico, said: “After the World Cup, I expected so much more. Most read in Football”That desire to see steady progress led me to speak out after an unfortunate performance in the Gold Cup.”We are the first to recognise that we were not up to the standard of the tournament, but that same introspection must go beyond just the players. Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fan”Personally, I feel that there were words used to describe me that certainly hurt me and were unexpected.””If this type of situation becomes a constant, I will not return to defend the colours of the Panama national team.”Fepafult have now posted a fulsome apology – with  Arias promising not to use such language again.The organization stated: “On International Women’s Day… from the Panamanian Football Federation we regret the unfortunate term used by our president Manuel Arias in the local media.”He himself has pledged that it will not be repeated. “In the Federation we are committed to continue working for women’s football, as we have been doing for the last five years through sports and training programmes focused on women.”That said, we know that there is still a lot more work to do.”Cox netted Panama’s first-ever Women’s World Cup goal, a glorious curler after just two minutes against France last AugustCredit: Getty More

    • 175 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Lioness legend Fara Williams backs campaign to get more girls playing football in schools

      by

      FARA WILLIAMS reckons Manchester United may be victims of their success from last season with the team facing a battle to finish in the WSL’s top four.And Lioness heroind hopes demands for equal football access for schoolgirls will inspire more to get involved in the sport on and off the pitch.Fara Williams is backing a campaign to provide girls with equal access to football in schoolsCredit: AlamyApproximately 300,000 girls are expected to take part in this year’s Let Girls Play football session – aroundCredit: PAWilliams, 40, who is England’s most-capped footballer with 172 international appearances, was speaking ahead of this year’s Let Girls Play event.Taking place on Friday 8 March, which is International Women’s Day, the event is expected to involve more than 4,000 schools.According to the FA an estimated 300,000 girls are likely to participate in what they describe as the biggest ever football playing session.Williams, who is backing the campaign, said: “When I when I was coming through, I was playing out on an estate, not really knowing anything about women’s football opportunities.Read More Football Stories”There were very limited opportunities for me to participate or even be coached within a very organised set-up.”If I’d had this kind of activity in my time, my journey probably would have been a little bit different to how it was.”When asked what more could be done to encourage more girls to get involved in football, Williams spoke of the need for activities away from the pitch as well as on it. The former Liverpool, Arsenal and Reading ace, who retired in 2019, added: “For me it’s not just about playing, but finding plenty of ways for females to get involved in the sport.Most read in Football”There have to be opportunities out there for girls to get involved in football off the pitch., “There should even be opportunities for those aspiring to become groundswomen, as we’ve seen with Arsenal using a whole team groundswomen for the first time on Sunday.Williams, who presents the Boots, Balls and Bras podcast, was sharing her thoughts days after doing punditry during the Gunners 1-0 defeat of Spurs in the WSL.The result saw Arsenal open a nine-point gap on fourth-placed Man United who dropped points ahead of their duel with Bristol next weekend.And Marc Skinner’s side who face Brighton in the Women’s FA Cup are currently level on points with Liverpool.Williams added: “I think the top three spots will be claimed by Chelsea, Man City and Arsenal.”For Man United, now it’s whether can they finish fourth.”If they do anything less than that now, given the success they had last year in the league and the FA Cup, it’s a failure for them.“Liverpool will push them and could potentially get that fourth spot come the end of the season.“United haven’t performed this year as they performed so consistently last year.Williams is backing Reds boss Matt Beard to push Man United all the way in the race to finish in the WSL’s top four this termCredit: Getty“I do my podcast every week and I have Man United Women’s fans on at me questioning Marc Skinner.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s difficult when you overachieve, which I think Man United did last year, and to try and do that again.”I certainly don’t put that down to just Marc Skinner.” More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Lia Walti praises Arsenal for ‘taking momentum’ from Aston Villa in four-goal Conti Cup semi-final demolition

      by

      LIA WALTI hailed her Arsenal team-mates for playing Aston Villa “into the ground” in the Conti Cup semi-finals.Stina Blackstenius stole the show as Arsenal stormed their way into the final by thrashing their opponents 4-0 on Wednesday night.Stina Blackstenius’s first-half hat-trick put the Gunners in cruise control during their Conti Cup clash with Aston VillaCredit: GettyLia Walti impressed in midfield alongside Kyra Cooney-Cross with the hosts pinning Villa back for large parts of the first 40 minutesCredit: PAFrida Maanum got in on the scoring netting Arsenal’s third goal in the gameCredit: PATwo early goals in two minutes were among the efforts for the Swede at Meadow Park.And she bagged a first-half hat-trick during her side’s ruthless attacking shift.Walti revealed Jonas Eidevall’s aces had watched Arsenal men’s 6-0 trouncing of Sheffield United in the Premier League on Monday.And the WSL aces were eager to register a high-scoring triumph in last night’s game.The Switzerland midfielder, who made her 150th appearance for the Gunners in the match, said: “We all watched the men’s game a couple of days ago. “We said we’d like to be a little bit more comfortable at half-time.“We wanted to go (hard) from the start, run them over and the ball went in at the right time and then we took the momentum from Aston Villa.“We used the spaces they gave to us, and we were efficient in front of the ball in the first half and that made a difference.Most read in Football“You could just see the fresh legs in the team and we have such a good competition with Stina and Frida (Maanum) coming in and Kyra (Cooney-Cross) and Leah (Williamson).“They’re great players, they kind of can push the team for a better performance.“You could feel that we played them (Villa) into the ground, and they didn’t really have a chance.”The victory saw Arsenal reach back-to-back Women’s League Cup finals for the first time under head coach Eidevall.It also means a silverware double is still in their sights with the team just three points behind Chelsea and Manchester City in the top tier.Of the victory, Eidevall said: “We want to compete in every competition we are in.“Every competition we are in is very important and we do our best to win it. “We are happy to be in a final because that is the starting point when you want to win trophies.“Of course, going into finals is steps in the right direction.“It doesn’t mean we are fully developed yet but you can see with the (crowd) attendances we draw, we compete and go to (cup) finals.“We are competing in the league (for the title), these are positive signs and we can be encouraged and keep building on them, not just this year but for the future.”Eidevall opted to make four changes to the side that beat Tottenham at the Emirates in the WSL on Sunday.Leah Williamson, Frida Maanum, Blackstenius and Kyra Cooney-Cross all started with Laia Codina, Victoria Pelova, Caitlin Foord and skipper Kim Little on the bench.  And Villa were without first choice keeper Daphne van Domselaar with Anna Leat in between the sticks and Gunners’ loanee Noelle Maritz cup-tied.The hosts got off to a flier with a ninth-miunte opener via Blackstenius blasting the ball high into the net over Leat.It took the Swede two minutes to double Arsenal’s lead in with a tap-in much to delight of the home crowd.Villa, who seemed stunned by the scoreline, found themselves going 3-0 down with 18 minutes when Frida Maanum swept in a top-corner shot.And Katie McCabe almost made it four crashing the woodwork a little later before Blackstenius flicked a shot home close to half-time.The second half saw Villa shuffle their deck with Simone Magill coming on in place of Alisha Lehmann.Jonas Eidevall’s side will face either Manchester City or Chelsea in the contest’s final on March 31Credit: GettyAnd they came close to pulling a goal back with McCabe forced to clear a low dangerous cross from Ebony Salmon over the crossbar.READ MORE SUN STORIESShots of “we want five” rang out from fans towards the closing stages with the Gunners seeing out the game with a clean sheet.Tonight will see either Man City or Chelsea claim the remaining spot in this year’s Conti Cup decider with the rivals going toe-to-toe in the contest’s second semi-final. More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      England chief Sarina Wiegman ready for tough battle with Sweden and Herve Renard’s France in Euros qualifiers

      by

      SARINA WIEGMAN is relishing a tough French test with England drawn in a group of death for the Women’s Euros qualifiers.Herve Renard’s France are among their opponents in the battle for automatic qualification along with Sweden and the Republic of Ireland. Sarina Wiegman’s Euros champions have been drawn in a group of death with Sweden and France among their rivals in the qualifiers for next year’s tournamentCredit: GettyThe Lionesses’ push for automatic qualification for next year’s Euros will see them play France for the first time under WiegmanCredit: AFPThe Republic of Ireland have also been drawn in the same group as England, Sweden, and FranceCredit: Sportsfile From their group only the top two sides are guaranteed to automatically reach next year’s tournament in Switzerland.And the defending champions hope to outwit their rivals and secure a spot with the aim of winning back-to-back Euros trophies. The Lionesses chief, 54, said: “France have a very good squad and they showed their qualities by reaching the Nations League final.“I’m really excited to play against France because we haven’t faced them during my time as England head coach, so I’m really looking forward to those two games.“It’s a tough draw but it is a really exciting draw.”Today’s draw included 51 national sides divided into three different leagues – A, B, and C.The outcome of the 2023-24 Women’s Nations League fixtures decided which league Wiegman’s aces would be in with the team among sixteen sides in League A.And they were drawn in the third group of League A.Wiegman added: “Of course, we all went into the draw knowing that Sweden – one of the top countries – would be in Pot 3 because of their Nations League performance in 2023. “With France, Sweden, and the Republic of Ireland in our group, it will be very competitive.”It’s exciting and now we just have to show up and perform.”For the fans and for football, it is really good because it will be so competitive.”Qualifiers for next summer’s Euros will take place between April and July.Read More Football StoriesThey begin two months after England’s first international camp this year with team thrashing Austria 7-2 and Italy 5-1 in friendly fixtures.  Wiegman said: “I was excited to get the team together again in February and we were able to move forward quickly after our disappointment in December.“The team showed who we are and where we want to go.“Everyone wanted to make a good start and show themselves as an individual and as a team ahead of the qualifiers.Most read in Football“The camp gave us confidence that we are in a good place and now we look forward to seeing who we will face in the first two games in April.”England face a stern test from France and Sweden who are among the top five sides in the world. Like Wiegman, Renard, 55, has led two different national teams to major international tournament triumphs.He guided Zambia and the Ivory Coast to glory in the men’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2012 and 2015Under the France-born coach, Les Bleues have won six and drawn one of their last eight international duels since reaching the World Cup quarter-finals last August.Since then, the only defeat for the third best side on the planet has come against World Cup champions Spain in the Women’s Nations League final.Meanwhile Sweden, ranked fifth and one place below England in Fifa’s rankings, have lost three games since finishing third in the Women’s World Cup.And two of those defeats have come against Spain. Qualifiers to determine which 15 teams will join hosts Switzerland in the contest will take place between April and July.Sweden are likely to be formidable opponents for England with several past and present WSL stars having featured for the team in the Women’s Nations LeagueCredit: GettyShould the Lionesses finish third or fourth in their group they still have a chance to make it to the Euros via a play-off route.Sides that end up in third and fourth place in the League A groups automatically enter the play-offs, along the top three teams in each League B group.This means England could finish bottom and still be in with a chance of qualifying. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      UK looking to host first World Cup since 1966 as they target women’s 2031 tournament with Lionesses gunning for glory

      by

      FOOTBALL could be coming home in seven years’ time as UK sports bosses want to host the Fifa Women’s World Cup finals.Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses missed out on World Cup glory last year when they lost in the Sydney final to Spain.UK Sport are prepared to bid for the Women’s World CupCredit: GettyThe Lionesses missed out on becoming world champions last summerCredit: GettyNow UK Sport plan to set-up a feasibility study for a possible bid to host the senior football tournament in either 2031, 2035 or 2039.This could mean a potential head-to-head battle with Saudi Arabia after one of their top officials last October mentioned fronting a bid at the Leaders in Sport conference at Twickenham.If they were successful with the bid, this would represent the first senior World Cup to be staged in the UK since Alf Ramsey’s Boys of 1966 beat West Germany to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy at Wembley.The men’s European Championships in 2028 will be held across England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland.Read More on FootballAnd the women’s Euros took place in the summer of 2021 – when the Lionesses were victorious.UK Sport have expressed their interest for the event as part of their Making Live Sport Matter initiative, which will target 70 events in 32 sports and 18 World Championships.The governing body believe it will have a huge economic impact across 20 locations for over 15 million fans, with a £5billion potential income.Other events they are keen to host include the men’s Rugby World Cup, the Athletics World Championships in 2029, the Ryder Cup, the Solheim Cup, the Cycling World Championships and the Grand Depart of the Tour de France.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSimon Morton, Deputy CEO and Director of Events at UK Sport, said: “In the UK, millions of us choose to spend our free time watching and enjoying live sport with those that matter most to us, our friends, families and communities.“Live sport is a fundamental part of this country’s social fabric. No other country buys more tickets per head to major sporting events than we do in the UK.Mary Earps, Lauren Hemp and Millie Bright given gongs as sport & music stars celebrated in New Year’s Honours list“In the years ahead, we want to host a programme of live sport that resonates with the British public and makes a difference to millions of people’s lives.“That programme has to be more accessible to people and communities across the country ensuring sport reaches as many fans as possible.”Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said: “With the Champions League final at Wembley in June and the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 we’re building on our world leading reputation for hosting major sporting events.“We are working closely with UK Sport and partners to fulfil our shared ambition to deliver up to 70 major events across 30 different sports to the UK in the years ahead.”UK Sport claim that the Women’s World Cup, which began professionally in 1991, is the biggest sporting event yet to be held in the British Isles.The host nation for the 2027 tournament will be decided soon but bids have gone in from Brazil and joints ones by Belgium/Germany/Holland and Mexico/United States.UK Sport refuse to say if this would be a joint bid across the four Home Nations or solely in English stadiums but talks with the associations will start after May.There are no plans for bidding for a men’s World Cup any time before 2038 at the earliest.There are also no immediate plans to save the Commonwealth Games – which worryingly has no host for the 2026 and 2030 editions – because it is too financially bloated and “the challenge is value for money”, according to officials.The Lionesses will take the first steps to retaining their European Championship title next month when they kick off their qualifiers.However, they have been drawn in the Group of Death.England will face Sweden, France and the Republic of Ireland as they look to book a spot on the plane to Switzerland. More