Women’s Super League

GEMMA GRAINGER insists Wales will not have an underdog mentality when they play Switzerland in one of the biggest games in their history.Grainger’s aces will battle their rivals in a World Cup qualifier play-off with a potential spot in next year’s tournament at stake.
Gemma Grainger and Wales hope to keep their World Cup qualification dreams alive with a win against Switzerland tonightCredit: Reuters
Wales will be aiming to win the game by two goals or more at the Letzigrund stadium in ZurichCredit: Getty
Two or more goals in a victory against the 21st-best side in the world will give Wales a chance of automatically reaching the World Cup for the first time.
If they win tonight by less than two goals, they could enter an inter-confederation play-off in a bid to claim a tournament spot.
Grainger says her side will be taking confidence from having reached the play-off stage for the first time ever and from their 1-0 defeat of Bosnia and Herzegovina last time out.
The Wales head coach, 40, told reporters: “On paper – and I said this after the Bosnia game – we can be called the underdogs.
“I don’t see us necessarily as that, I see us as a team who are going there to compete and win a game.
“Our belief, our mentality, everything that we think about is not necessarily focused on that tag.
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“It’s focused on how we can compete in the game, and hopefully win it.
“With what we’ve done on the pitch, the team is absolutely on track to qualification for a major tournament.
“If we do it this time, brilliant. If not, we’ll do it next time.”
During Wales’s defeat of Bosnia, which was clinched following Jess Fishlock’s stunning volley, Grainger’s players saw FOUR goals ruled out as offside.
Looking back at those decisions, Grainger added: “With VAR there’s going to be some close calls that you are slightly offside for onside either way.
“When you play on the edge, and when you try to make those runs, there’s a lot of movement, there’s a lot of time and involved.
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“I think the most important thing for us is that we’re in those positions and we’re creating those opportunities and chances to score.”
This evening’s duel which kicks off at 6:00 pm at the Letzigrund Stadium in Zurich, could see Chelsea star Sophie Ingle, 31, go up against her old Blues team-mate Ramona Bachmann.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward has netted 56 times in 128 senior international Switzerland appearances.
When asked if Wales had any fear of the threat posed by Bachmann, 31, and her pals, Ingle said: “We’re never scared.
“They’re a great team and we respect the type of team they are.
Tonight’s game could see ex-Chelsea ace Ramona Bachmann go head-to-head with her old Blues team-mate Sophie IngleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“They played in the European Championship in the summer, and I remember watching their games.
“They’re exciting going forward and have very good players on the attack like Ramona who is a great player and picks up a lot of good spaces.
“But we have a lot of strengths within our team and we’re going to focus on ourselves.”
Tonight’s game is one of three World Cup play-off finals taking place this evening.
Ingle insists Wales will have no fear when they take to the pitch against SwitzerlandCredit: Getty
The other two will see Portugal take on Iceland and Pedro Losa’s Scotland side up against the Republic of Ireland at Hampden Park.
The two play-off winners with the highest rankings will automatically qualify for the 2023 World Cup which begins on July 20.
The other match winner will be entered into an inter-confederation play-off which will take place in New Zealand in February next year. More

LUCY BRONZE reckons talented English aces who get to play for a top club abroad “would be crazy” to turn the opportunity down.The Lionesses star, 30, says her Barcelona switch has given her a “new lease life” with the full-back thriving in Spain’s top tier.  
Lucy Bronze is set to make her 100th appearance in an England shirt when the Lionesses play the Czech RepublicCredit: PA
Bronze says her move to Barcelona has given her career a new lease of lifeCredit: Alamy
Bronze, who sealed a June move from Manchester City to the seven-time La Liga Women’s champs was speaking before her 100th game in an England shirt.
The right-back, named Fifa’s Women’s Player of the Year two years ago, is due to make her landmark appearance in the team’s clash with the Czech Republic tomorrow.
On her experiences playing abroad for Barcelona and her 2017-2020 Lyon spell, Bronze said: “I’m someone who has always based my career off of challenging myself, putting myself in uncomfortable positions.
“That’s when you thrive the most as an individual, whether it’s in football, or in life.
“There are not much more places to be uncomfortable than (going somewhere) not speaking the language and not knowing anybody. 
“I’m in a different environment and going abroad for me, personally, when I went to Lyon was the best thing I ever did.
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“I improved the most and became the best player in the world. I’ve gone to Barcelona and got a new lease of life at 30 years old going on to 100 caps (for England). 
“I might get in trouble with the FA for saying this, but I think it’s important that players experience different things. 
“Equally, I know in football there are people who like to stay loyal to teams.
“They want their whole career at one club because of the tradition and what that means to them and that’s a completely different thing. 
“But if players have the opportunity to go abroad and play for the best teams in the world, as I have at Lyon and Barcelona, it would be crazy to turn those kinds of opportunities down.”
Bronze, who made her senior England debut in June 2013 during a 1-1 draw with Japan, is regarded as one of the leading figures in the Lionesses’ camp.
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The defender, who helped the team to Euros glory in July, would love “to mimic” Brazil legend Formiga, 44.
The midfield heroine played a record-breaking 234 times becoming Brazil’s most-capped player before her international retirement in November 2021.
Bronze added: “I was told at 20 years old that I wouldn’t play past 27 and now I’m 30.
“I’m not doing too bad. I think that’s why I never set 100 caps as a goal for England, I just wanted to play as much as possible.
“Formiga is someone that I’ve really looked up to with the career that she’s had.
Bronze admires the longevity of Formiga’s international career with the midfielder playing 236 times for BrazilCredit: Getty
“To have played as long as she did is incredible.
“I’d love to mimic something like that but it’s not always possible.”
Meanwhile, Sarina Wiegman has denied claims she had agreed to a new contract to remain in charge of the Lionesses until 2027.
The England chief, 52 said: “I haven’t signed a new contract. I am very happy with the one I have.
“I already have a contract until 2025 and we had good conversations.
England players met with prime minister Liz Truss at their training base earlier todayCredit: Jack Hill/The Times, The Sunday Times.
“We have hopefully a couple of more tournaments until that time. It’s very comfortable at the moment and we are all happy.”
England’s duel with the Czech Republic at the Amex comes a day after they received a visit from Liz Truss.
The prime minister held a meeting with skipper Leah Williamson and defender Lotte Wubben-Moy following the squad’s letter calling for action to boost girls’ access to football.  More

LIANNE SANDERSON criticised the FA after not receiving an invite to a celebration of former Lionesses during the national team’s duel with the USAThe ex-England striker was dismayed after an error saw her name misspelt in a match programme feature on English stars’ in the US women’s game.
Lianne Sanderson called out the FA after not receiving an invite to the Lionesses’ 50th-anniversary celebration at WembleyCredit: Getty
Sanderson made 50 senior international appearances for EnglandCredit: PA
The ex-Arsenal and Chelsea, ace, who is a football pundit, said “the hurt was real” in a post published on her Twitter page.  
In her frank tweet, former England forward urged the FA to ensure past players for England are not forgotten.
Sanderson, 34, who has 50 senior international caps, said: “At this point, I can’t say I’m surprised. 
“All I can say is I’m sick of the hurt the systematic abuse has caused me throughout the years. 
“They forgot about me before and many times before that and last night was just another example. 
“All former Lionesses were invited to Wembley last night and got many souvenirs of their time playing for England, which I’m happy about especially after raising this issue at the Houses of Parliament four years ago.
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“When asked what the FA can do? My response was, don’t make former players feel like they are forgotten about and I wasn’t talking about myself.
“A lot of former players feel that way played for England.
“Now look everyone was invited except me. That makes sense.
“I retired because a sport I loved so much wasn’t showing me love back. These are some of the reasons.
“Then to spell my name wrong in the programme and on the big screen, they forgot about my 50th cap.
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“So at least allow me some moments to be proud of.
“I’ve created a career in media myself, no handouts or help from anyone after being ostracised for telling the truth and I will continue to do so.”
Following Sanderson’s tweet, the FA released a statement apologising to the former Lioness.
A spokesperson said: “We are sorry. We invited Lianne, along with more than 200 former players, to last night’s celebrations but she didn’t receive it.
Sanderson was featured in a matchday programme for England’s clash with the USACredit: Getty
“We have been in touch with her representatives to explain.
“We also apologise for her name being misspelt in the programme.
“With 50 caps, Lianne is an England great and deserves full recognition for the service she gave to the national team.” More

MEGAN RAPINOE praised England’s stars for supporting players battling against “systemic abuse” in the US women’s top tier.This evening the midfielder, her USA team-mates and the Lionesses will wear teal armbands in solidarity with victims of sexual abuse. 
Megan Rapinoe wants football authorities to put policies in place to tackle abusive behaviour in the women’s gameCredit: Reuters
The OL Reign star, 37, said the Lionesses’ duel with her team will be a “nice distraction” following the release of a report on abusive behaviour in the National Women’s Soccer League.
Rapinoe was speaking days after an independent investigation found that “verbal and emotional abuse and sexual misconduct had become systemic” in the division.
The midfield ace said: “It’s horrifying.
“It has been very difficult for the players most affected, the names that we know and probably a lot of the names that we don’t know.
“We’re just thinking about them and trying to keep together as a group.
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“Our head coach (Vlatko Andonovich) has been amazing, just giving us the space and just taking the time to acknowledge what we’re going through.
“It’s been really difficult for everyone. Nobody ever wants to see anything like this.
“Hopefully this can be a moment in time when you say, none of this ever happens again.”
More than 200 NWSL players were spoken to as part of an inquiry led by law firm Sally Yates and King & Spalding LLP.
Their investigation was launched last year after Paul Riley was sacked from his role as North Carolina head coach following allegations of sexual misconduct. 
The England-born coach has denied the accusations.
Lucy Bronze, Beth Mead and Rachel Daly are among the Lionesses who have spoken out in support of NWSL players who say decision-makers in the US women’s top tier had failed to protect players. 
Rapinoe added: “I feel like there’s just so much solidarity between the things that we have to fight for.
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“Come kick-off, we will be competing on the pitch, but I feel like we’re all fighting together for the same things.
“To have this happen in our country, in our league, and to be able to bring that here in a very special moment for England, to have them acknowledge, what we’re going through – it means everything.”
When asked what action she hopes to see from football’s governing bodies on this issue, Rapinoe said: “The main thing is having some kind of policy in place.
“If there’s absolutely nothing in place, there’s nothing to hold people accountable to.
“Whether it’s from FIFA’s level or from confederations in, at least having policies in place or having hotlines that people can report to or having systems that have some teeth in them is really important.”
The USA’s match against the Lionesses will be the first time the two sides have faced each other since the SheBelieves Cup in March 2020.
Back then Rapinoe and her team-mates sealed a 2-0 win against England. 
The California-born player added: “We’re really excited to play and that’s a nice distraction. 
A sell-out crowd is expected for England’s game against the USA at WembleyCredit: Reuters
“This is an incredible game, an incredible moment, that sits nicely with this horrific thing.
“The players have pushed it to this point where it’s a sell-out crowd at Wembley with another team fighting for respect and fighting for the right treatment.
“This is a special moment for us to all come together and celebrate women’s football for all of the good that it is.” More

BETH MEAD joked she prefers coffee when asked about her memories of Alex Morgan’s famous tea-sipping celebration at the 2019 World Cup. The USA striker, 33, went viral on social media with her cuppa-drinking antics after netting in her side’s 2-1 semi-final win over Lionesses.
Beth Mead says England have become a hungrier side since the World Cup in 2019 with the team winning this year’s EurosCredit: PA
The USA went on to win their fourth World Cup that year after knocking England out at the semi-final stageCredit: AFP
Back then, the celebration left some England fans irked.
However, Mead, 27, acknowledged the Euros-winning Lionesses, who play the USA at Wembley, have come a long way since that result.
Mead, who was named England Women’s Player of the Year, said: “It was a tough game and a tough result to take.
“We took it hard, but it’s made us hungrier and more motivated to prove ourselves against a world-class American team.
“We’re looking forward to seeing where we are now (against them).”
Tomorrow’s clash between the Euros champions and the four-time World Cup winners is set to be played in front of a packed Wembley
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In August, 65,000 tickets for the game were sold in the space of 24 hours.
It is thought the match may see the Lionesses smash the attendance record they set in July when 87,912 came to watch their Euros final defeat of Germany at the ground.
The game will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the England Women’s team and heroines who blazed a trail for today’s current stars following the Lionesses’ very first match in 1972.
More than 100 former players are expected at Wembley.
Among this group will be pioneers from the 1972 side, who beat Scotland 3-2 in the Lionesses’ inaugural fixture in November of that year.
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Members of that team, including Lynda Hale who scored for England in the game, expressed disappointment at never having received official caps.
Tomorrow night the players will be presented with bespoke Lionesses caps as part of a celebration of their achievements.
Mead added: “We know as players we wouldn’t be here today without the women (that came) before us.
“They are incredible women and it’s nice to celebrate what they’ve done as much as what we’ve done.”
Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses will face a USA outfit currently ranked the world’s number-one international women’s side
Ex-Southampton winger Lynda Hale is among the trailblazing former Lionesses who will be honoured during England’s game against the USACredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Sarina Wiegman wants to see more action taken against abusive behaviour towards players in the women’s gameCredit: Reuters
The team, who have won four World Cups are, like England, regarded among the favourites to triumph in the tournament in Australia and New Zealand next year.
Some fans feel tonight’s game could serve as a precursor if the sides were to go head-to-head in the World Cup next summer.
However, US head coach Vlatko Andonovski said: “It’s going to be a good show, but this isn’t actually as important as a game because the importance is not a World Cup or an Olympic medal.
“But still there’s some importance because of the preparation for (next year’s) World Cup.”
England’s duel with the USA comes in a week in which the women’s top flight in the United States has come under scrutiny following a damning report on abuse of players.
The investigation revealed that “verbal and emotional abuse and sexual misconduct had become systemic” in the National Women’s Soccer League”.
England boss Sarina Wiegman, who spent a year of her playing career at North Carolina Tar Heels, said: “My first reaction is that it’s horrible, unacceptable.
“I feel very sorry for all the victims, and it should stop immediately of course.
“I think it’s a worldwide problem still and it’s time we stepped up to stop these things.”
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Mead added: “I was quite sickened when I found out. Women need to be taken seriously a lot more.
“I’m proud of the victims that stood up. People need to start doing better.” More

LUCY BRONZE says she is saddened by “horrible” cases and allegations of abuse within women’s football and other sports.The England ace joined Rachel Daly in supporting players affected by emotional abuse and sexual misconduct in the women’s top flight in the USA.
Lucy Bronze says tackling abuse in women’s football should be a top priority within the sportCredit: Getty
Former Houston Dash star Rachel Daly says women’s football stands in solidarity with players who are victims of systemic abuseCredit: Getty
The Lionesses duo, who both played football in the United States, were speaking before their team’s duel with the US Women’s national side at Wembley on Friday. 
The match comes days after a report by law firm Sally Yates and King and Spalding, said: “verbal and emotional abuse and sexual misconduct had become systemic in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)”.
The firm, which last year had been commissioned by US Soccer to carry out an investigation, heard from over 200 players from the division.
Bronze, 30, who spent 2009 playing for American college side North Carolina Tar Heels, said: “It’s sad women’s sport, in general, tends to have these issues.
“They have probably been going on for a long time, but people have never been brave enough to speak out, so it’s not necessarily a new thing,
“The new thing is that we’re finally fighting back against it. It’s obviously very sad to read these stories.
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“It’s sad that I have to say that I’m very fortunate to have had a career where I’ve not had any of these problems.
“I’ve never looked back and thought ‘that was a bit funny’.
“I guess I’m fortunate enough to say that, I’d like to think that a lot of my team-mates are fortunate enough to say that as well.”
US Soccer began its independent inquiry last year after England-born head coach Paul Riley was fired by North Carolina Courage following accusations of sexual misconduct.  
Riley, who began his coaching career in the United States in 1986, has denied the allegations.
The investigation, led by Sally Yates and King and Spalding found abuse had become widespread “spanning multiple teams, coaches, and victims”.
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Rachel Daly, who spent six years playing for NWSL side Houston Dash, said it was “terrifying” to think of players going through these experiences.
And the England ace, 30, who moved to Aston Villa in August, applauded players who have spoken out.
Daly told Sky Sports: “It’s absolutely terrifying that girls are still going through this and people are abusing power.
“I think for us as females it’s a very, very dangerous place to be when things like that happen.
“All I can do and say is that I think the rest of the women’s football community stands in solidarity with the girls that have been affected.”
Rachel Daly has backed players who are calling for action against abusive conduct within the NWSLCredit: Getty
Bronze, who helped England to win the Euros this summer, says she hopes the environment the Lionesses have created can help set the benchmark for the women’s game elsewhere.
The Barcelona star added: “As an English national team, we’d like to think that we could be part of helping set the standard.
“It’s not just women’s football that has horrible abusive stories and allegations, these happen in many sports. 
“We support all females coming out and speaking.
“We want to make changes, help support them and show the standard that women’s sport should be at whether that’s professionalism on the pitch and the environments you live, breathe and train in.
“I was part of a campaign with EE in the summer (speaking out) against sexist hate.
“We need to be brave enough to speak about the things that happen to us, whether it’s mentally or physically and just hope the right people are listening to affect the changes that need to happen.
“We’ve said for a long time a lot of things need to change in women’s sport and this is top of the list to change.”
USA skipper Becky Sauerbrunn has called on NWSL decision-makers who failed to protect players affected to be held accountableCredit: Reuters
On Monday USA captain Becky Sauerbrunn, 37, called on officials and bigwigs who failed to protect players in the NWSL to step away from the sport.
The centre-back was speaking to the media on a day when Portland Thorns owner Merritt Paulson, announced he was stepping down from decision-making at the club.
It is reported the Thorns chief will keep his distance until the publication of a joint investigation involving the NWSL and National Women’s Soccer League Players’ Association.
The Yates investigation says Thorns had “raised specious legal arguments in an attempt to impede” their use of “relevant documents.”
USA winger and former Portland ace Lindsey Horan, 28, echoed Sauerbrunn’s call for action.
The Paris Saint-Germain ace told reporters: “It’s hard. I just want to echo what Becky said in her interview and fully support her in being able to speak out on this.
Lindsey Horan says USA Women’s players have been angered by the findings of the Yates report on systemic abuse in the NWSLCredit: Getty – Contributor
“It’s not an easy thing. We’re here in England preparing for such a cool experience, a cool game against one of the best teams in the world and that’s something to be so, excited for.
“We can cope with this and are able to go out and train and focus on football, but it’s hard and we’re angry.
“It’s not just (in) the NWSL, this is women’s football in general, it’s women in general, we have these problems all over the world, it’s a global systemic problem.” More