Women’s Super League

REHANNE SKINNER has been left unimpressed by the process leading to Eveliina Summanen’s two-match ban for deception.The Tottenham chief questioned how rules are being interpreted after the rescinding of a red card for Manchester United’s Ella Toone.
Rehanne Skinner questioned whether a precedent has been set around rules concerning violent conduct on the pitchCredit: Getty
The Spurs boss was reacting to an incident involving Eveliina Summanen who has been given a two-match ban for simulationCredit: Getty
Summanen will miss Tottenham’s FA Cup clash with Reading and a league trip to Manchester CityCredit: Getty
Summanen, 24, has been suspended for “successful deception of a match official” during Spurs’ 2-1 loss to United on February 12.
The ban was issued following an incident in which the player was seen holding her face after a push on her shoulder from Toone.
The United star received a red card and three-match suspension later reversed after her club’s successful appeal.
Following the overturn the FA revealed Summanen had been charged for allegedly committing “a clear act of simulation”.
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Tottenham’s appeal against this outcome, decided by an independent hearing, was unsuccessful.
It means the midfielder misses their Sunday FA Cup clash with Reading and their trip to Manchester City on March 5.
Skinner, 43, said: “It’s fair to say that we were really shocked, disappointed.
“I was unimpressed with the way this whole process has actually happened.
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“When you a look at the face of it, the red card removal is one that potentially going to be really challenging.
“If we’re not interpreting the rule about violent conduct in the right way, then that is a bigger problem we need to look into. 
“Essentially, it’s if you’re using or are attempting to use excessive force or brutality against an opponent when you’re not challenging for the ball. That’s the rule.
“In a situation where that’s happening and evident, then the challenge we’re faced with here is what precedent are we trying to set?
“What’s that going to look like moving forward for us all? I just think it’s opened a can of worms
“The Premier League, Football League, Championship and WSL all go by the same rules.
“I think this massively highlights the inconsistencies around how things are dealt with.
“That’s something that definitely needs to be addressed moving forward in order to ensure that we’re moving the game in the right direction.”
United boss Marc Skinner used the term “play-acting”, when sharing his thoughts on Summanen’s actions prior during the incident.
The Red Devils boss was responding during an interview immediately after game.
Spurs chief Skinner added: “I think it’s really important to focus on your own team and your own players.
“For me, commenting on other people’s players is beneath the standards and values I have and I’m prepared to go to.”
On Sunday aim to avenge their narrow 1-0 December loss to the Royals in the league by knocking them out of the FA Cup.
Since that defeat, Spurs’ attack has been boosted with Bethany England’s switch from Chelsea and Mana Iwabuchi joining on loan from Arsenal.
England has been looking sharp for her new side netting three goals in her past three games across all competitions.
Skinner said: “Beth has settled in faster than any of us expected with the goals she has scored and the way she has been performing.
Tottenham hope to have Bethany England ready for their Reading clash after the striker took a knockCredit: Getty
“When you have been at a club for such a long period of time it does take time to adjust, but she’s applied herself unbelievably well.
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“She picked up a bit of a knock in the Manchester United game that we have been managing this past week.
“We’re hopeful she will be in good position for this weekend.” More

SARINA WIEGMAN says Mary Earps’ reaction to England conceding against Belgium is a sign of the squad’s high standards. Her side were relentless on their way to retaining the Arnold Clark Cup netting four second half goals in the 6-1 demolition.
Chloe Kelly’s three goals saw her become the Arnold Clark Cup’s Golden Boot winner this yearCredit: Getty
England remain unbeaten in the invitational competition winning the trophy for the second year in a rowCredit: Getty
Lauren James was named the Arnold Clark Cup’s player of the tournament following her performancesCredit: Getty
Chloe Kelly’s double on Wednesday night earned her the contest’s Golden Boot
The forward scored three times in the competition with the hosts bagging 12 goals in three games. 
And Lauren James efforts saw her earn a player of the tournament prize with Wiegman’s aces now 29 games unbeaten under their boss. 
The Lionesses head coach said:  “When you go into a tournament, whatever tournament that is, you want to win it.

“This week we wanted to try out some different things, see lots of players and we wanted to see some combination of players
“We also wanted to manage loads and that’s exactly what we did.
“We were able to because players came out really good.”
Belgium’s only goal against the Lionesses came in the 78th minute when Elena Dhont struck for the visitors at Ashton Gate Stadium.
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Reflecting on shot stopper Earps’ reaction to that moment, Wiegman added: “Of course, the standard is really high and you don’t want to concede a goal. 
“And she’s the goalkeeper so she really doesn’t, and as a team we won’t want that, and she doesn’t want that either, so of course she was not happy.
“I’m happy with this week, happy with the win and happy with what we have done this week in taking the next steps in preparation for the World Cup.”
“The countries we played (in this year’s Arnold Clark Cup)  are just beneath the world’s top (sides). 
“I know Italy and Belgium are really improving, but we are too.”
Belgium had an early corner with Tessa Wullaert floating the ball into the box in the second minute
But they found themselves on the back foot with a swift England counter with Lauren James jetting down the right and teeing up Georgia Stanway, who fired wide.
Kelly squared the ball to James in the eighth minute, with the Chelsea starlet sending her close-range shot over the bar.
And the Manchester City ace combined with Ella Toone before blazing an effort over the crossbar herself following a block from Tine De Caigny.
The Lionesses took the lead when Kelly bundled home a 12th-minute opener after James slotted a swift cross into her path.
England captain Leah Williamson netted twice against BelgiumCredit: Getty
That advantage was doubled when Lucy Bronze lofted a cross inside the box over Belgium’s defence for Williamson to head home close to half-time. 
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The second spell saw Kelly bag her brace in the 50th minute, firing beyond the grasp of goalkeeper Nicky Evrard.
A Julie Biesmans own goal made it 4-0 in the 78th minute, then Bronze finished from close range. More

MILLIE BRIGHT reckons Rachel Daly can play in any position for England with the striker shining in attack as well as defence.  The Lionesses’ final Arnold Clark Cup game this year sees them face Belgium tomorrow evening at Ashton Gate. 
Rachel Daly and Millie Bright could be set to feature for the Lionesses when they take on BelgiumCredit: PA
Sarina Wiegman is yet to decide on what would be her first choice starting 11 as England’s World Cup preparations continueCredit: Getty
So far the hosts have netted six times with Daly bagging a brace deployed as a striker rather than her previous role as full-back. 
Vice-captain Bright, 29, said: “We all know what Rachel is capable of, but she’s also very versatile and it’s key to have that in the squad.
“She’s a player who is very willing and she’ll literally play anywhere – I think she said that a million times to you all. 
“But I like to see every player succeed and do well.
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“The beauty of having the squad that we do is we want everyone to perform and be at their best.”
Daly, 31,  is joint-top scorer in this year’s tournament with Belgium’s Tessa Wullaert with both on two goals. 
Last year the Lionesses netted four goals with two scored by Bright with Daly playing in defence. 
Bright joked her pal wants to battle her for the Arnold Clark Cup Golden Boot – which the Chelsea ace won with Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas last year. 
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She added: “I know Rachel said she was going to challenge me for it (the Golden Boot) at the start of the tournament.
“Coming into the tournament, I said I’d like to see more goals than there were at the last one.
“It’s nice to see that there are plenty of goals. It makes it exciting.”
England are without the services of Emily Ramsey with the goalkeeper withdrawing from camp following an ankle injury. 
Ramsey, on loan at Everton from Manchester United  is among a number of rising WSL stars who have broken into the senior squad. 
These include Lauren James, Katie Robinson and Jess Park. 
The trio have impressed with the competition for World Cup squad spots heating up. 
Katie Robinson is among England’s newest squad members who have impressed during the Arnold Clark CupCredit: Getty
Bright added: ”For youngsters coming in there’s a lot to learn, but it was so nice to see the youngsters play with freedom. 
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“For me, that’s a sign that we’re doing all the right things and allowing them to go on and just play their game and keep developing. 
“Ultimately we have to keep moving forward as a squad.” More

RACHEL DALY is ready to help England win from any position on the pitch after propelling them to victory against Italy. The hotshot’s brace denied shared spoils for their rivals in the Arnold Clark Cup with the Lionesses’ sealing a 2-1 win
Rachel Daly netted her first brace in the Arnold Clark Cup on SundayCredit: Alamy
Two headed goals for the England striker helped the Lionesses maintain their unbeaten run in the invitational tournamentCredit: Getty
Katie Robinson and Jess Park also shone for Sarina Wiegman’s side with the team facing Belgium nextCredit: Alamy
Victory saw the hosts stretch their unbeaten run to 28 games under Sarina Wiegman conceding just eight times across those fixtures.
And Daly become the first player to bag a brace at this year’s Arnold Clark Cup with the fixture watched by a record CBS Arena crowd.
On Sunday the versatile Lioness started in a striker role she normally plays in at club level for Aston Villa.
A position that has seen her become the second highest scorer in the WSL this season with 10 goals in 13 top-flight games. 
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Daly, currently the top English scorer in the league this term, said: “I think you guys (the media) care more about where I play than I do. 
“But I’m genuinely happy to play in any role. 
“Obviously playing in the nine is something I do week-in, week-out, so it’s a little bit more natural for me, 
“However, whatever role I’m given, I’ll do it to the best of my ability.”
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Daly’s efforts and those of her team-mates has given boss Sarina Wiegman more food for thought before England’s clash with Belgium on Wednesday. 
The Red Flames notched up their second win in the Arnold Clark Cup beating South Korea 2-1 on Sunday
Last week Wiegman talked of making team changes during the invitational tournament with her players readying themselves for the World Cup. 
She made nine alterations to the side that trounced South Korea 4-0 with Alex Greenwood and Jess Carter retaining their spots in defence.
Up top, alongside Daly, Lauren Hemp and Katie Robinson played on the flanks.
And Lauren James, Alessia Russo and Chloe Kelly started on the bench. 
Of the idea of Daly and Russo starting in attack together, Wiegman said: “We’ve played some scenarios where we put in two centre forwards
“For now, with how we play, we shouldn’t start with two or we wouldn’t at this moment. 
“With the way we play we’re doing really well.”
A 32,128-strong crowd attended England’s second Arnold Clark cup fixture, the largest turnout for a game at the CBS Arena. 
The hosts took the fight to Italy early with Laura Giuliani forced to clear a sloppy first-minute backpass. 
But the visitors forced England stopper Ellie Roebuck into a fifth minute save with Valentina Giacinti’s rifled near post effort. 
From then on England cranked the pressure with Daly, Hemp and Robinson causing problems. 
Daly forced Martina Lenzini into an error in the box before her hefty shout prompted a quality save from Guiliani in the sixth minute. 
Moments later the striker forced another stop from the Italy goalkeeper before Jess Park fired an effort over the bar from distance. 
Greenwood’s intervention denied Valentina Giacinti the chance to open the scoring in the 20th minute with the Italy striker through on goal. 
The deadlock was eventually broken in the 32nd minute with Daly heading in Robinson’s lofted cross. 
But the game was levelled with a controversial equaliser in the 62nd minute with Sofia Cantore header flying over Roebuck at the near post. 
Italy will take on South Korea in their final Arnold Clark Cup game with both teams hoping to bounce back after two lossesCredit: Alamy
There were questions on the ball delivered to Cantore had floated out of play before the Italy player’s header
They were also questions as to whether it had crossed the line with no VAR in place to verify during the game.
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Officials ruled it as a goal with the decision met with some boos from the crowd.
An assist from sub Lauren James saw Daly head home nine minutes later to seal her brace with England unbeaten in the contest.   More

SARINA WIEGMAN reckons having versatile talent in her England squad could be a boost as they target World Cup success. The Lionesses play Italy in the Arnold Clark Cup today with the team aiming to win the contest as part of their preparations 
Sarina Wiegman’s team take on Italy at the CBS Arena in their second Arnold Clark Cup matchCredit: PA
Wiegman reckons players being able to play in different positions could provide more opportunities within the teamCredit: Getty
England’s duel with Italy at the CBS Arena comes three days on from their 4-0 rout of South Korea. 
That first match in this year’s Arnold Clark Cup, saw central defender Alex Greenwood playing as a full-back. 
Meanwhile skipper Leah Williamson, normally at centre-back, pulled the strings from a deep midfield position.
The move proved beneficial with Greenwood among Wiegman’s standout performers setting up Alessia Russo’s  goal in the 4-0 demolition. 
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Wiegman, 53, said: “You want players to be exceptional in the position they play (in).
“But if they can play in more positions, then we have more opportunities in the team. 
“That helps us whenever we have to change and that we have opportunities to stay really strong with changes either on the pitch or when players are substituted in.”
England’s clash with South Korea saw Rachel Daly feature as a forward when she came on as a 64th-minute substitute for Alessia Russo.
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The Aston Villa striker is currently the highest English goal scorer in the WSL.
So far this term, Daly has netted 10 goals in 13 top-flight games. 
Daly’s attacking switch has seen her England team-mate Greenwood utilised at left-back for the Euros winners. 
And the Manchester City ace, who has 71 international caps, believes her team-mates’ flexibility on the pitch is important.
Of playing at left-back Greenwood told reporters: “It’s a position I’ve played (in) most of my career anyway so it just becomes natural. 
“Obviously it is different to playing (at) centre-back and there are areas of the game that I have to change but it’s fine. 
“I practice it in training and I’ve got good teammates around me to support me to do that.
“For me personally, it’s just about whatever role I’m asked to do, is to do it the best I can.
“Everyone is going to be asked to do different roles at some point and that’s really important for the team.”
Italy, currently ranked the 17th best team in the world, hope to bounce back from a 2-1 loss to Belgium. 
Their squad contains six players from the Juventus team that won last season’s Serie A Women’s title under former Arsenal boss Joe Montemurro. 
Among them is Cristiana Girelli who made her 100th appearance for the team in the game. 
The Juve ace, 32, said: “I would have preferred to celebrate with a win or in any case with a positive result.
“Unfortunately that wasn’t the case but I’m sure we’ll make up for it.”
Cristiana Girelli hopes Italy can bounce back from their loss to Belgium in their first Arnold Clark Cup fixtureCredit: Getty
Wiegman added: “They have good players who are pretty experienced.
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“We know Girelli, their midfielder, is pretty good. We know Boattin likes to attack. 
“We’ll analyse the team, but then bring it back to how we want to play, being aware of their strengths and trying to exploit some of their possible weaknesses.” More