Women’s World Cup 2023

Subterms

    More stories

    • 150 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Huge summer sporting event has NO TV deal sparking ‘concern’ with bosses

      by

      BBC and ITV are under pressure to announce a TV deal for the Women’s World Cup after the governments of the Big Five European markets weighed into the ongoing row.Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer was among the five signatories stating their “concern” at the lack of agreement with just seven weeks until kick-off in Australia and New Zealand.
      Some broadcasters are yet to claim rights for the Women’s World Cup despite the success of Euro 2022Credit: Getty
      ITV and the Beeb are understood to have made a £9m joint bid which Fifa is expected to accept.
      But broadcasters in France, Germany, Italy and Spain are said to have proposed “derisory” offers of a fraction of the bids for the men’s tournament.
      They have been strongly criticised by Fifa President Gianni Infantino, who is reluctant to dig further into the world body’s funds.
      And now the governments have pledged to put on the big squeeze.
      Read More on Football
      In a joint statement by the senior sports ministers of all five countries, the governments said: “We have acknowledged with concern that until now, no television rights have been attributed for the matches broadcasting in our countries.
      “We are aware of the legitimate interests and budgetary constraints pressuring both assignees and independent broadcasters, who need a viable economic model for each of them. 
      “And we also recognise the specific organisational constraints that are likely to affect the ‘market value’ of the European broadcasters’ rights, such as the hours of broadcasting.
      “However, we are convinced that the media coverage of the Women’s World Cup will be decisive in improving the global visibility of women’s sports in our European countries. 
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      “Media exposure to women’s sports has indeed a highly significant impact on the development of women’s and young girls’ sports practices. 
      “Because of the high potential of the Fifa Women’s World Cup and the sport and social issues at stake, we consider it our responsibility to fully mobilise all stakeholders, for them to quickly reach an agreement. 
      “These are decisions for Fifa and broadcasters to take independently, but we know that discussions are in progress and we are confident in Fifa and independent broadcasters’ capability to find a common path toward fair development.” More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Smith and Flaherty hope to see Bethany England included in Lionesses squad ahead of Women’s World Cup

      by

      KELLY SMITH and Gilly Flaherty hope Bethany England will make Sarina Wiegman’s World Cup squad today. The striker, 29, has been in lethal form since her British record-breaking January transfer to Tottenham from Chelsea. 
      Bethany England’s effort could see her make a return to the Lionesses squadCredit: Getty
      Kelly Smith hopes to see England included in the squad selected by Lionesses boss Sarina WiegmanCredit: Getty
      Gilly Flaherty also wants to see England named in Wiegman’s 23-strong squad ahead of the Women’s World Cup in JulyCredit: Getty
      She became their all-time leading scorer in the top tier, netting 12 goals in 12 WSL appearances following her move for a reported fee of £250,000. 
      Her efforts helped the team win their battle to avoid relegation from the WSL with Tottenham finishing ninth in the table this season.
      England was not included Wiegman’s last squad before her team’s Women’s Finalissima win against Brazil and 2-0 friendly loss to Australia in April.
      Lionesses legend Smith, 44, who made 117 senior international appearances during her playing career,  believes a recall is deserved. 
      She said: “I expect Bethany England to be in there. I think she’s a player that needs to be in that set up. 
      Retired WSL ace Gilly Flaherty, 31, agreed, adding: “Beth deserves a call-up. 
      “She helped keep Tottenham up (in the WSL) with so many important goals. 
      “I would love to see her on that plane and I hope to see England do as well as they possibly can (at the tournament).” 
      Most read in Football
      At 2:00 pm today England boss Wiegman will pick her 23-strong squad ahead of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand which starts on July 20th. 
      The announcement will be made at the home of grassroots football club Boldmere St. Michaels FC in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham.
      Smith also thinks Rachel Daly can help fill the void left up front, with Fran Kirby out with a knee injury and Beth Mead a big doubt. 
      This month the Arsenal forward told Sky Sports she is doing all she can to be fit but acknowledged the World Cup may be too soon for her return
      Villa striker, Daly, 31, finished this season as the WSL’s top scorer — bagging 22 goals in 22 games.
      Rachel Daly won the Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Season award following her displays for Aston VillaCredit: Getty
      This saw the Lioness, who has played for England as a full-back, equal the record set by Arsenal ace Vivianne Miedema in the 2018-19 
      Smith, who is now a Barclays WSL ambassador, added: “I want to see Rachel as a striker, not as a left-back, given her performances and goal ratio this season. 
      “I also want to see Millie Bright in there for her leadership, grit and determination. Hopefully England will have a good showing.” More

    • 275 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      England and Chelsea ace Fran Kirby ‘gutted’ to miss World Cup with knee concern and aims to be fit for next season

      by

      FRAN KIRBY says she is ‘absolutely gutted’ to miss the World Cup with a knee problem ending her hopes of being fit for the tournament. The Lionesses and Chelsea playmaker, 29 will be out of action for ‘a significant period’ in a blow for her club and England’s plans. 
      Fran Kirby has been ruled out for the rest of this season due to a knee issueCredit: PA
      The England and Chelsea forward is set to undergo an operation on her kneeCredit: PA
      Kirby’s upcoming operation means she will be unavailable for selection for the Lionesses ahead of the World CupCredit: PA
      She will undergo surgery following a knee problem that arose during the Blues’ 7-0 Conti Cup semis thrashing of West Ham.
      It means she will be unavailable for selection before the contest taking place in Australia and New Zealand this summer.
      Sarina Wiegman’s side will face Haiti in their group stage opener on July 22. 
      In a post shared via her Twitter account, Kirby wrote: “Unfortunately after a few months of rehab the decision has been made that I will require surgery on my knee. 
      Read More Football Stories
      “I have been trying my best to not have to undergo this but unfortunately my progress has been limited due to the issue in my knee. 
      “I’m absolutely gutted to announce that this means my season is over and I will not be able to make the World Cup in the summer. 
      “I’m going to be doing everything possible to be ready for the start of next season
      “I want to wish my team-mates at Chelsea the best of luck for the rest of the season and my Lioness team-mates the best of luck for the summer.”
      Most read in Football
      Chelsea provided the update on Kirby’s situation via a written statement published on their website on Tuesday afternoon. 
      In their statement, the club, whose WSL team play Liverpool on Wednesday, wrote: “Following an injury sustained during our Continental League Cup semi-final against West Ham, Fran has been reviewed at Cobham by the Chelsea medical team.
      “Following that review and further discussion with a specialist, Fran is set to undergo surgery and is expected to be sidelined for a significant period. 
      “Fran will begin a rehabilitation programme with support from the club’s medical team.
      “Everyone at Chelsea sends their best wishes to Fran in her recovery.”
      Kirby’s injury sees her join Leah Williamson on the sidelines with the England skipper out of the World Cup following an ACL rupture she suffered during Arsenal’s loss to Man United in April. 
      The Lionesses are also currently without the services of Beth Mead.
      The Euros Golden Boot winner battling her way back from a knee ligament injury sustained last November. 
      Meanwhile Kirby’s club and country pal Millie Bright is making her way back to fitness following a knee issue. 
      The Lionesses and Blues vice-skipper was pictured back in the gym in images shared by her club on Monday. 
      On Wednesday Chelsea will turn their attention to a rescheduled match against Reds and their bid to win a fourth successive title.
      Emma Hayes wants her players to keep chipping away at their rivals in their hunt for the doubleCredit: Getty
      Emma Hayes sees this as the moment for her team to start hunting down their title rivals in their first WSL game since April 2. 

       The Blues gaffer said: “There’s a scheduling nightmare but we have got everything to play for.
      “Our focus as a team is we have got to keep chipping away and getting points on the board because we’ve got games to make up.” More

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionesses captain and Arsenal ace Leah Williamson to miss World Cup and rest of domestic season

      by

      LEAH WILLIAMSON has “had her tears and made her peace” with her season coming to an end following an injury blow. The Lionesses’ captain, 26, will miss the World Cup and the rest of Arsenal’s games this term after suffering anterior cruciate ligament damage. 
      Leah Williamson’s ACL injury has brought her season to an end three months before the World CupCredit: AP
      The Arsenal centre-back and England skipper sustained a knee injury during the Gunners’ midweek loss to Man United in the WSLCredit: PA
      Williamson is set for an extended spell out of action and is due to undergo surgeryCredit: Getty
      The Gunners and England centre-back sustained the injury before her club’s crunch Champions semis clash with Wolfsburg on Sunday. 
      She limped off during the first half of Arsenal’s 1-0 loss away to Manchester United on Wednesday after appearing to jar her knee whilst challenging for the ball. 
      In a statement on Friday the club said the player is set for an “extended spell on the sidelines” and would “undergo surgery in due course”. 
      Via her Instagram account, Williamson wrote: “Unfortunately the World Cup and Champions League dream is over for me.
      Read More Football Stories
      “Everyone will think that’s the main focus, but it’s the day to day of what I’m about to go through that is the most draining of my thoughts.
       “I had my tears and made my peace with it the night it happened.
      “Since then I have been following the steps I’m told to, in order to best help myself in the short and long term.  
      “Ultimately, I think it’s just my time.
      Most read in Football
      “In the past couple of years alone I have watched teammates beat serious illnesses and adversity with the biggest of smiles on their faces. 
      “I also hold perspective that globally there are much greater difficulties and therefore my circumstances right now are just that, circumstantial, and I’ve seen a lot worse.”
      Williamson joins Kim Little, Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema on the sidelines with the crocked Arsenal trio seeing their seasons ended prematurely.  
      Her injury is also a significant setback for England with Lionesses vice-captain Millie Bright currently recovering from a knee issue. 
      A number of Williamson’s club and country team-mates took to social media with messages of support for the player. 
      In a post published via her Twitter account, Mead wrote: “We are with you every step of the wayeven if I have to be quiet some days in rehab.
      “We got you, all the love and strength in the world. 
      And Man United’s Ella Toone said she “was right behind” her England team-mate. 
      Williamson, who has 41 senior international caps, pledged to continue giving her all for club and country.
      The defender, who has 41 senior Lionesses caps, added: “I haven’t had a day since last October when I’ve walked on to the pitch without a physical or mental question mark over me, and that’s professional sports. 
      “So now I have to listen to my body, give it what it needs and if everything happens for a reason, then we’ll see what road this turn sends me down.

      “I have given and will continue to give everything that my body, mind and heart possibly has to the Arsenal and Lionesses. 

      “I will still be there through thick and thin for all of my teammates and their biggest supporter.
      “I feel your love and support, so thank you! All I ask is for a little bit of time and space to deal with all that is to come.” More

    • 188 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      England boss Wiegman insists Lionesses are not losing momentum after Australia end their unbeaten run

      by

      SARINA WIEGMAN insists she is not worried by England’s first loss during her reign, describing Australia’s 2-0 win as a “big learning” . Sam Kerr’s cstrike and Charlotte Grant’s deflected finish saw the Matildas end the Lionesses 30-game unbeaten streak.
      Sam Kerr notched up her 63rd goal for Australia giving them a 1-0 lead in the first halfCredit: Getty
      Charlotte Grant doubled the lead for the World Cup hosts with her first goal in an Australia shirtCredit: Alamy
      Wiegman says her side had some warnings from their encounters against Brazil and the Czech Republic as well as AustraliaCredit: Getty
      The England boss said: “It’s a big learning game against a very physical, well-organised, good defending Australia. 
      “We had a lot of possessions and we did create some but we struggled to speed up the game, to go forward and stretch them
      “We really wanted to get more behind the defence, and have runs behind and switch plays so they could run a little more. 
      “We made some mistakes where they became dangerous, the counter-attack was very dangerous and of course their first goal was a mistake of ours, which can happen.
      Read More Football Stories
      “I’m not worried. We know we have to be at our top level and every game we get some warnings. 
      “Against Brazil we had some warnings, against the Czech Rep we had to create a little more.
      “I don’t think we’re losing momentum. It’s just a really big learning for us.”
      The Alzheimer’s Society International duel saw one in three names missing on Lionesses shirts to highlight the one in three people born in the UK who will develop dementia. 
      Most read in Football
      England were missing the services of Alex Greenwood with the defender returning to Man City after the team’s Women’s Finalissima triumph against Brazil. 
      And Lauren Hemp, who was among the Lionesses’ better performers, came off in the 28th minute on Tuesday night with Lauren James coming on in her place.
      Despite having the bulk of shots on target the Lionesses went 1-0 down in the 32nd minute with Australia punishing an uncharacteristic error in defence.
      Kerr bagged the opener, pouncing on Leah Williamson’s misdirected header before lofting the ball over Mary Earps for her 63rd Australia goal. 
      England came close to levelling in the second spell with James forcing a parried save from Mackenzie Arnold.
      But Grant made it 2-0 latching on to a pinpoint cross from Kerr with her headed goal taking a deflection of Williamson in the 67th minute. 
      Rachel Daly almost pulled a goal back for the Euros champs moments later
      But her powerful header went wide with Australia holding out to seal the win.  
      Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson says his analysis team did a phenomenal job identifying key areas to target in England’s gameCredit: Getty
      Matildas skipper Kerr said: “They are a great team and it’s always nice to put in a good team performance and beat a top team.
      Read More on The Sun
      “But we’ve got to take every win with a grain of salt before the World Cup.
      “It’s about building on our performances and where we can get better.” More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Wiegman says England door is not closed to Steph Houghton but World Cup selection chances ‘are not high’

      by

      SARINA WIEGMAN “would never close” the door on the possibility of Steph Houghton being included in her England World Cup squad. However the serial-winning Lionesses boss admits the chances of the Manchester City captain, 34, being chosen “are not that high”. 
      Steph Houghton is aiming stay ready and professional in case of a call-upCredit: Getty
      Sarina Wiegman says she will not shut the door on Houghton but admits her World Cup selection chances ‘are not that high’Credit: Reuters
      England will take on Australia tomorrow night at the Gtech Community Stadium as part of their World Cup preparationsCredit: Alamy
      Wiegman, 53 was speaking after Houghton described contending with being left out of the national squad as “mentally tough”
      The Man City centre-back, who has 121 senior international caps, was was sharing her thoughts in a BBC Radio Five Live interview. 
      The Durham-born WSL star has not played for the Euros champions since 2021 following some spells out with injury. 
      Wiegman, whose side play Australia at Brentford’s home ground on Tuesday night, said: “It’s hard at the moment.
      Read More Football Stories
      “She’s in a hard position because, as I said, I don’t want to take out the players who are in that position, because they’re doing really well, so the chances are not that high.
      “But I will never close the door.
      “When you are in international football and you are England coach, you want everyone to be available too if things happen for some players and the situation changes. 
      “But at this moment, I make other choices.”
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Houghton, who played for the Lionesses in five major tournaments, admits she would have to “re-evaluate” things if a summer call-up does not arise. 
      While the former England captain wants to keep “knocking on that door” she acknowledges her omission will not stop her from wanting the team to succeed at the World Cup this year.
      Wiegman added: “Steph is a very good, very experienced player.
      “I have a lot of respect for what she has done for the women’s game and she has come back in the squad for Man City. 
      “But the players I have now in that position I don’t want to take out because I think they perform really well. That’s the reason why.
      “It is difficult because she has done so much for the game.
      “It’s difficult with everyone because everyone trains so hard and so does she.”
      The Lionesses’ clash with Australia comes five days after their Women’s Finalissima defeat of Brazil via a penalty shootout. 
      The victory saw them go 30 games unbeaten under Wiegman
      Tomorrow’s match could see Sam Kerr in action with the Matildas record goal scorer rested for her team’s 1-0 loss to Scotland on Friday. 
      And Leicester forward Remy Siemsen might feature having received a call-up on Sunday following Emily van Egmond and Holly McNamara’s withdrawal from Australia’s camp. 
      The game could also see Ella Toone, 23,  start alongside her Man United pal and summer transfer target Alessia Russo
      Both featuring against Brazil last Thursday with Toone netting normal time but seeing her spot-kick saved.
      Russo, who has netted 11 goals in 20 senior Lionesses appearances, has reportedly attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest sides including French giants Lyon. 
      The WSL star, whose Red Devils contract is due to expire at the end of this season, has scored eight goals in 15 top tier games this term. 
      On if she hopes to continue playing alongside Russo at club level, Toone added: “We’re joined at the hip and we’re best friends. 
      “We love each other’s company. That will never change no matter where Alessia Russo is. I love playing with her. 
      “Right now we’re at England camp, spending every minute together and playing football together.
      “So now it’s just about enjoying now and whatever happens, happens.”
      England’s clash with the Matildas comes 102 days before their World Cup group stage opener against Haiti in Brisbane, Australia
      Ella Toone hopes fans will flock to stadiums to watch World Cup games in Australia and New Zealand this summerCredit: Reuters
      This summer’s tournament is being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand with England aiming to follow their Euros triumph on home soil with a World Cup win. 

      Toone said:  “For us it was so exciting knowing we were hosting a major tournament in our country. 
      “For the Australians it will be massive. Hopefully we can get loads of fans in the stadiums enjoying the football.” More

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Leah Williamson hails ‘warrior’ Brazil star Rafaelle as Arsenal pals prepare for Women’s Finalissima clash

      by

      LEAH WILLIAMSON reckons going up against her ‘warrior’ Arsenal team-mate Rafaelle will feel like new territory tonight. And the Brazil star suggested Williamson must be “half-Brazilian” because of her skills and joked she should take Samba lessons.
      Arsenal aces Leah Williamson and Rafaelle will be on opposing sides when England face Brazil in the first Women’s FinalissimaCredit: Getty
      The centre-back duo have been in fine form for Arsenal helping their club side to a win against Manchester City before the international breakCredit: Getty
      Rafaelle captained Brazil when the team won their eighth Copa America Feminina trophy last JulyCredit: Getty
      The Gunners central defensive duo will be on opposite sides when England face Brazil at Wembley this evening in the first Women’s Finalissima.
      Brazil ace Rafaelle, 31 ace said: “I’m not glad to play against Leah because she is so good.
      “I feel like she’s half Brazilian because she’s got the skills, she just needs to learn to Samba and she’ll be fine. 
      “She’s a good player who can play in the back or in the middle. She deserves to be here with this great team.”
      Read More Football Stories
      Lionesses skipper Williamson, 26, said: “Rafa’s a bit of a warrior, as an athlete she’s head and shoulders above the rest.
      “The Brazilian way and what she can do with her feet is impressive also so I’m in awe of her to be honest, most days.”
      The sell-out Wembley duel will see the World Cup rivals face each other for the first time since their Euros and Copa America Feminina triumphs last summer.
      Tournaments in which Williamson and Rafaelle captained their national sides to trophy-winning glory. 
      Most read in Football
      The match comes five days ahead of the Lionesses’ duel with this summer’s World Cup co-hosts Australia who play Scotland at Plough Lane tomorrow. 
      England boss Sarina Wiegman, 53, said: “We’re getting closer to the World Cup so want to get closer to our team selection, but still there are things that can happen internationally and at club (level)
      “This moment playing Brazil and Australia gives us a new opportunity. 
      “We expect to be challenged more defensively.
      “This again will gives us more information about our team and where our players are at in this moment.”
      The last Wembley duel between Brazil and the Lionesses was back in October 2019 with the hosts, then managed by Phil Neville, losing 2-1
      Seven members of the home side who featured in that game are part of Wiegman’s squad this evening. 
      Should England win it will see them go 30 games unbeaten under their head coach whose side are yet to lose a game since took charge of the team. 
      Brazil boss Pia Sundhage, 63, said: “When it comes to this game it’s part of the journey to the World Cup. 
      “I’m so appreciative and really happy to play against one of the best teams in the world with the best coach in the world. 
      “All of us will get answers after the game. I’m grateful for the opportunity”
      Tonight’s clash comes a day after Lise Klaveness failed in her bid to be elected to Uefa’s Exec Committee after receiving just 18 out of 55 potential votes.
      The Norway football chief was the first woman to go up against male candidates for a place in the group with seven spots available. 
      But Debbie Hewitt became the first female FA chair to be voted onto Fifa’s council as British vice-president.
      Reflecting on this Wiegman said: “Of course we want more women in the game. We want more women in every position.
      “We hope that’s going to change and lots of changes are on the way.
      A win for England will see them go 30 games unbeaten under Sarina Wiegman with the team yet to lose a game under their head coachCredit: Getty
      “It’s really good news that Debbie Hewitt is chosen as a vice-president of Fifa. That’s a really good thing.
      “Let’s try to make it a better place for women in football and keep moving forward.”

      Sundhage added: “We’ve been fighting all our lives, so let’s just continue to do that because we love this game, football.”
      England vs. Brazil in the Women’s Finalissima can be watched live on ITV1 from 7:45pm with coverage of the match starting at 7:30pm More

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      UK broadcast outlets reportedly agree deal with Fifa to televise this year’s Women’s World Cup

      by

      AN agreement to air this year’s Women’s World Cup on television in the UK is thought to have been reached, according to reports.  This comes just over six months after the launch of Fifa’s tender process for the sale of tournament media rights to UK broadcasters.  
      A deal to air this year’s Women’s World Cup matches on UK television has reportedly been agreed between Fifa and broadcastersCredit: Reuters
      It is reported the deal could see the BBC and ITV share coverage of the tournament’s games including matches involving the LionessesCredit: Prime Media
      Earlier this week The Independent reported a deal was still outstanding with sources informing the paper that offers from UK channels were “lowballing Fifa”.
      Talks were also said to still be ongoing. 
      Today the Daily Mail reports a “major breakthrough” has been reached in regard to the contest being aired on national television. 
      It is claimed an agreement is expected to be confirmed and publicised in the near future. 
      Read More Football Stories
      And it also thought the deal could potentially see coverage shared by BBC, who along with Sky Sports broadcast Women’s Super League games, and ITV. 
      This year’s World Cup will take place a year after the Euros hosted in England with the Lionesses and their rivals pulling in record stadium crowds and television viewers. 
      Last July’s Euros final, broadcast on BBC One and won by Sarina Wiegman’s players at Wembley, was watched by a peak TV audience of 17.4 million viewers. 
      The viewing figures made it the most watched women’s football match in the history of UK television and the most-viewed TV event of last year. 
      Most read in Football
      And in December the FA revealed 23.3million people watched the final on TV or online. 
      Last summer’s Euros attracted record numbers of television viewersCredit: PA
      It is hoped England’s success at last year’s Euros will lead to high numbers of viewers of the World Cup in July and August with the Lionesses and the Republic of Ireland among the 32 sides competing. 
      Due to the time difference between the UK and the World Cup’s hosts Australia and New Zealand, England’s matches will be taking place when many viewers will be asleep or out at work. 
      However, with tournament timing coinciding with the school holidays, coverage of matches could see younger audiences engaged with rising interest in the game amongst girls as well as women. More