Women’s Super League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 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

    • 188 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Gareth Taylor extends tenure as Manchester City’s Women’s chief after penning a new three-year deal

      by

      GARETH TAYLOR has extended his reign as boss of Manchester City’s Women’s Super League side after penning a new deal today. The contract for the head coach, 51, who led the team to FA and Conti Cup wins, will see him remain in charge until 2027.Gareth Taylor says players have brought into what Man City hope to achieve at the top end of the women’s game under his managementCredit: ReutersTaylor, who led his team to FA and Conti Cup wins in 2020 and 2022, is targeting a WSL title win this termCredit: GettyTaylor’s new deal comes two days after he oversaw Man City’s twelfth win across all competitions with their 2-1 victory against Everton in the top tier.His team, who are second and level on points with WSL leaders Chelsea, are chasing their first league title win under their gaffer.The last time the Cityzens lifted the top-flight trophy was under former boss Nick Cushing in 2016.Taylor, who took charge of City in May 2020, said: “I’m very happy to be able to commit to City for another three seasons. “I think what we’re doing here and trying to achieve is a build and a long-term project of sustainability and success. “Our ambition was always to be right at the top and we’ve done that.“It’s taken a lot of hard work from a lot of people behind-the-scenes. “The players have really bought in to what we’re trying to do and achieve.”Taylor’s reign has seen him oversee a period of transition in the side.This followed the retirements of England heroines Ellen White, Jill Scott and Karen Bardsley and the departures of several international stars including Lucy Bronze, Keira Walsh, Caroline Weir and Hayley Raso.The last two years has seen City strengthen their ranks with players including Japan and Australia aces Yui Hasegawa and Mary Fowler joining. Other stellar signings include former Barcelona and Atletico Madrid defenders Leila Ouahabi and Laia Aleixandri.  Among City’s additions in January and last August are England Under-23 forward Laura Blindkilde Brown and Netherlands midfield star Jill Roord who is currently sidelined with a knee ligament injury.And last year the club appointed ex-Denmark Women’s boss Nils Nielsen to be their director of football for their women’s side and Charlotte O’Neil as managing director.Taylor, whose side play Chelsea in the Conti Cup semi-finals on Thursday, added: “Nils has helped in a number of ways. “His experience of having been a head coach previously in the women’s game is really helpful as well because you’re not talking to someone who has not been there. “Charlotte I’ve worked with previously in the Academy. “What she’ll do is be really clear in our objectives and really clear in what we are capable of doing.”Of Taylor’s contract extension, Nielsen said: “I am very pleased that Gareth has agreed to continue his great work in our programme for the coming years.”We have a clear strategy on how we want to move forward, and securing Gareth to lead the team is a key factor in this.”Now we can all focus on finishing this season in style and prepare for the next few seasons by following the plan.”Man City, whose players include Lionesses quintet, Alex Greenwood, Chloe Kelly, Lauren Hemp, Jess Park and Khiara Keating, currently have the best defensive record in the WSL this term.And striker Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw currently leads the WSL’s top scorers chart this term with 15 goals in 14 top tier matches.Man City will take on Chelsea in the league cup semi-finals in their first game following Taylor’s contract extensionCredit: ReutersSome of City’s recent victories include a hardfought 1-0 away defeat of title rivals Chelsea last month.Aside from their push to be crowned WSL champs for the second time in their history, City hope to return to Champions League action next season.Taylor’s side last featured in the competition in September 2021 when they were knocked out at the qualifying stage by Spanish club Real Madrid. More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Gareth Taylor sympathises with Carla Ward’s ‘difficult’ scenario of seeing rising star leave Aston Villa for Man City  

      by

      GARETH TAYLOR admits Aston Villa boss Carla Ward faced a “difficult” predicament when Manchester City swooped for Laura Blindkilde Brown. The Cityzens chief was reacting to Ward’s reflections on the forward sealing a January transfer deadline day switch from Villa to City.Laura Blindkilde Brown was one of three players signed by Manchester City on January 31Credit: GettyThe England Under-23s forward has settled in well at Manchester CityCredit: GettyGareth Taylor’s Man City side are due play Everton in the WSL todayCredit: GettyThe title chasers, who play WSL rivals Everton today, finalised the move after activating the player’s £200,000 release clause.City opted to strengthen their forward ranks after midfielder Jill Roord suffered a season-ending knee ligament injury in January.The club also lost the services of striker Deyna Castellanos and midfielder Julie Blakstad. The duo sealed January moves to US club Bay FC and Swedish side Hammarby prior to Blindkilde Brown’s switch from Aston Villa. Read More Football StoriesOf his conversations with Ward, Taylor, 51, said: “There was a lot going on behind the scenes there at . “Nils (Nielsen, Man City Women’s football director) was involved speaking directly to their general manager.”Because we were thrown into a situation with what happened with Jill, and had players who were going to be out-going in that window in Deyna and Julie, it was important that we got a player in.”A player that was potentially going to help us, maybe not necessarily straight away, but someone that we see as being a really bright talent for the future.Most read in Football”I think it was difficult for Carla, because obviously, she didn’t want to lose the player. “But we were fortunate in how quickly we acted, and we were able to secure her, so we’re really, really pleased.”Of course, you don’t want to stitch up another coach that you respect, and I do really respect Carla.”But we had to act quickly and we managed to get the deal done, which is great and Laura has settled in really well.”Speaking to Fara Williams on the Boots, Balls and Bras podcast, Ward opened up on her response when she heard City were looking to sign one of her rising stars.And she was “gutted” to see the young Lioness depart following her ten league appearances for Villa this term.Ward said “Gareth rang me, I’ve got a good relationship with him, and he said: ‘Look, we’re a couple of midfielders down’ and I said ‘don’t even think about it’.”He said: ‘Look, we’re going to be coming in for Laura. “I wanted to give you a heads-up out of respect, we have a really good relationship’. “My exact words were: ‘Please don’t do this because it will hurt us’. “It happened quite quickly, I rang Lee straight away, our director of football, and said: ‘We can’t allow this to happen’.”I must admit, I was quite vocal about it, I was gutted, it was something I really didn’t want to happen, we didn’t need it to happen, but sometimes things are completely out of your control.”Carla Ward’s Villa team host Liverpool in the WSL on SundayCredit: ReutersBlindkilde Brown could feature for City this lunchtime following her injury-time cameo during their 2-0 defeat of Leicester on February 4.READ MORE SUN STORIESA home win against the Toffees would see the club leapfrog Chelsea to go top with the sides currently level on 34 points each. “The Blues will play the Foxes tomorrow.  More

    • 175 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Mary Earps set to be immortalised with her very own waxwork at Madame Tussauds

      by

      ENGLAND football hero Mary Earps is to be immortalised with her very own waxwork.The Sun can reveal the Lioness has won a public vote to be remade as a lifelike statue at the world-famous Madame Tussauds.Mary Earps is to be immortalised with her very own waxwork at Madame TussaudsCredit: GettyIt will make goalkeeper Mary — who famously took on shirt sponsor Nike after they initially declined to print one with her name — the first female footballer to get a wax figure.The news comes six months after the London attraction announced it would honour the Lionesses’ achievements — reaching the 2023 World Cup final and winning the 2022 Euros — by selecting a waxwork chosen by fans.The decision will be formally announced in the coming weeks, but a museum source said: “The public vote was pretty comprehensive. Mary cleaned up.“She’s a national icon and an inspiration, especially to young girls and aspiring footballers who admire her courage, pluck and sheer athletic talent.Read More on Football“Her waxwork unveiling will be another big step for women’s football after decades of only men getting the privilege.”Mary, who plays for Manchester United in the Women’s Super League, ensured “football came home” in the 2022 Euros with a fingertip save in the final against Germany.And she was awarded the Golden Glove in last year’s World Cup following a penalty save in the final.After being named BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023, Mary was given an MBE in the New Year Honours.Most read in FootballMary Earps, Lauren Hemp and Millie Bright given gongs as sport & music stars celebrated in New Year’s Honours list More