Women’s World Cup 2023

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      ‘Gutted’ England star Mary Earps in tears and is consoled by team-mates after letting in soft goal in Netherlands win

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      ENGLAND goalkeeper Mary Earps claimed she “let the team down” after making an error during the Lionesses’ 3-2 win over Netherlands on Friday.The World Cup golden glove winner left the pitch in tears at full-time despite England’s late comeback.
      Mary Earps was in tears after the matchCredit: Getty
      The goalkeeper was consoled by Sarina Wiegman and Alessia RussoCredit: Reuters
      Sarina Wiegman’s side had to win the match by at least two goals to keep their Nations League hopes alive and take control at the top of Group A1.
      However, with the team already 1-0 down in the 35th minute, Earps let Lineth Beerensteyn’s shot slip through her gloves and into the net.
      The Lionesses were able to turn the match on its head after half time thanks to goals from Georgia Stanway, Lauren Hemp and Ella Toone.
      But with one game still to play, England’s fate in the competition is now out of their hands.
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      Earps could not hide her disappointment after the match as she was consoled by her team-mates.
      And in a post-match interview with ITV, the goalkeeper admitted that the error will continue to “haunt” her.

      She said: “I’m sorry my performance cost the girls like that.
      “That will haunt me for a long time. I’ve really let the team down today. I’m really gutted.”
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      Earps made an error which led to Netherlands’ second goal in the first halfCredit: Getty
      The Man Utd star was left devastatedCredit: PA
      Earps added: “It could have been a really special night at Wembley. The team were unbelievable.”
      England boss Wiegman responded to the 30-year-old’s comments in her post-match press conference, insisting that it was a team effort.
      The Dutchwoman said: “I don’t want her to talk like that, because you win as a team and lose as a team
      “She didn’t let the team down. Everyone does their best. You only let your team down when you don’t put effort in.”
      Arsenal legend Ian Wright was also quick to defend Earps on ITV.
      He said: “I don’t think she should be beating herself up like she is, she looked really quite distressed there.
      “The fact is on many occasions Mary Earps has saved this team. Unfortunately for her today she made a mistake that yes we needed two goals but we didn’t lose the game.
      “Unfortunately we didn’t get the two goals but at the same time that’s what it’s about. It happens like that and her team has pulled her out of it. You’ve to take it on the chin and move on.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Earps was voted BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year earlier this week, beating Aitana Bonmati, Sam Kerr, Fridolina Rolfo and Alexandra Popp to the prize.
      She also came fifth in the Ballon d’Or rankings – the highest a goalkeeper has placed since the female award was introduced. More

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      The Sun’s Footie For All campaign praised by Culture Secretary as £30m of NEW cash for grassroots football announced

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      THE Culture Secretary praised The Sun’s Footie For All campaign as she joined England’s Lionesses on the pitch to announce a multi-million cash boost for grassroots football. Lucy Frazer unveiled a £30 million venture to construct around 30 state-of-the-art 3G pitches across the country. 
      Political Correspondent Martina Bet talks to Culture Secretary Lucy FrazerCredit: Roland Leon
      We joined the Cabinet Minister at St George’s Park where she made the revelation to the Lionesses and told us how important it is to build more facilities, especially for women and girls. 
      Speaking to our political correspondent, Ms Frazer said she realised she had to do something to support the Lionesses’ legacy after seeing them “in action” at the World Cup.
      “I came back from Australia, thinking we have got to build on this, we can’t stop, we have got to go further, we have got to continue to support them”, she said.
      At every one of these new sites, there will be reserved peak-time slots, women and girls only evenings and priority booking for women and girls’ team.
      READ MORE ON POLITICS
      There will also be dedicated female changing rooms, shower facilities and accessible toilets.
      Ms Frazer said: “One of the main issues is that girls are put off by the fact that there’s nowhere to change and there’s nowhere to shower.”
      The Cabinet Minister also described the Sun’s Footie For All campaign and Fund as “complementary” to the Government’s cash injection.
      Our campaign is aimed at supporting grassroots youth football clubs impacted by the cost-of-living crisis and the fund, in collaboration with Tesco’s Stronger Starts programme, provides £150,000 in grants to assist clubs facing financial challenges.
      Ms Frazer said: “In life, generally, you can’t do things alone, the Government can’t do this alone. And we are combining with the sporting bodies to achieve our aims, with the Department of Education, the Department for health… and so The Sun’s campaign is is a complementary to that.
      “And it’s really important that we have football access for everyone and I’m a proud supporter of the Sun’s campaign.”
      In terms of where the new pitches will be located, Ms Frazer said it will be up to the Football Foundation to decide, adding: “They are already looking at potential sites and looking at a whole range of things and accessibility is absolutely one of them.
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      “They have already started that work, because we want to make sure that these are delivered by 2024-25. And so that work has started already.”
      The Government is providing £25 million funding, with The Football Association contributing £5 million.
      The announcement comes ahead of the team’s crucial UEFA Women’s Nations League match against the Netherlands at Wembley Stadium on Friday.
      England’s FIFA World Cup 2023 Captain Millie Bright said: “We are really pleased to see the commitment towards this funding and the promise that this will be prioritised for the growth of women’s and girls’ football so whatever the motivation to play, there is a safe and accessible area for females to go to.”
      Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer on the pitch with the Lionesses and a local girls’ football clubCredit: Roland Leon
      Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer talks to the manager of the England women’s national team Sarina WiegmanCredit: Roland Leon
      Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer attended the training session of the Lionesses and announced a £30 million venture to construct around 30 state-of-the-art 3G pitches across the countryCredit: Roland Leon More

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      Lionesses stun in see-through dresses as England World Cup stars and Alex Scott pose up a storm at GQ awards

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      ALEX SCOTT and the Lionesses went see-through for GQ as their awards-do outfits met with a chorus of approval at the Royal Opera House.Fans rated presenter Scott, Manchester City’s Chloe Kelly and Arsenal ace Leah Williamson a sheer delight on the night as England’s World Cup stars gathered for the magazine’s top event.
      Awesome foursome Mary Earps, Leah Williamson, Alex Scott and Chloe Kelly turn on the glitz for the magazine awards in LondonCredit: Getty
      Alex Scott was a star of the silver sheen in this daring outfitCredit: Getty
      Leah Williamson wore a two-tone dress at the Royal Opera HouseCredit: Getty
      Lionesses’ hero keeper Mary Earps wore a flight green dress as the foursome posed on the red carpet at the star-studded evening.
      Earps saved a penalty in the Women’s World Cup final in Sydney three months ago but was unable to prevent Spain winning 1-0.
      And the Manchester United stalwart was spot on again at the GQ Men of the Year Awards in London.
      Spain attacker Jenni Hermoso was also in attendance as the Royal Opera House swapped songs for gongs.
      READ MORE TOP FOOTBALL
      It follows Earps voicing her “disappointment” earlier this week at the World Cup being overshadowed by the scandal of Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales kissing Hermoso.
      The stopper’s high-collared dress contrasted with the more revealing outfits of her three colleagues in one of the event’s most dazzling pics.
      Ex-Arsenal defender Scott, 39, went without a bra as she wore the most daring outfit, a gown as silvery as Christmassy but as thin as a goal-net.
      Williamson, 26, came in a short black dress showing off much of her body.
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      And Kelly opted for a hint of Halloween, albeit a fortnight late.
      The 25-year-old’s sophisticated black outfit mixed sparkly detail with a see-through skirt and high heels.
      Ex-England forward turned BBC presenter Gary Lineker, Wrexham frontman Paul Mullin and world heptathlon champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson were among  the sporting names honoured.
      Johnson-Thompson appeared in an elegant chiffon dress, every bit a match for the outfits of the footballing fraternity.
      There’s nothing like putting a Kat amongst the… Lionesses.
      Katarina Johnson-Thompson looked graceful in this dressCredit: Rex More

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      Spain star misses out on becoming just the third player to win 100th cap after ‘COMPUTER ERROR’

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      EARNING your 100th cap for your country is a great achievement for any player.That is why seeing it get halted by a computer error would sting badly.
      Spain World Cup winner Irene Paredes missed out on a 100th cap for Spain womenCredit: Getty
      But that is exactly what happened to Spanish football star Irene Paredes.
      Paredes, who was part of the Spain squad which lifted the women’s World Cup over England in the summer, was unable to make her 100th cap last night due to a “computer error”.
      Reports in Spain, via BBC Sport, said Paredes was unable to play in her nations 7-1 win over Switzerland after a teamsheet from Spain’s last match was submitted to Fifa.
      The 32-year-old was not part of the previous game against Italy due to injury.
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      Instead, injured star Amaiur Sarriegi was named in the squad list.
      On the extraordinary gaffe, new head coach Montse Tome said: “There was some kind of computer problem.
      “I was told about it at the hotel so I had to adapt to the situation. From there, we chose the 11 that you saw.”
      Winning her 100th cap for Spain would have made Paredes only the third player to win a century of caps for La Roja after Alexia Putellas and Jenni Hermoso.
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      Putellas won the 2021 women’s Ballon d’Or, while this year’s winner Aitana Bonmati played against Switzerland for 77 minutes.
      Meanwhile, Hermoso was the star at the centre of a sexism storm involving the now banned Spanish FA boss Luis Rubiales after he kissed Hermoso following Spain’s World Cup win.
      However, all is not lost for Paredes.
      The Barcelona defender could still make her 100th appearance when Spain face Italy in the Women’s Nations League on December 1 or against Sweden four days later.
      Spain lead their Nations League group with four wins from four, scoring 16 goals and conceding just three.
      Jenni Hermoso is one of the two stars to have earned 100 caps for Spain women so farCredit: Getty More

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      I used to work in Pizza Hut and sold football shirts to make ends meet, now I’m fighting for the WSL title

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      WOMEN’S WORLD CUP semi-finalist Alanna Kennedy is now fighting for the Women’s Super League title with Manchester City.But before she became a full-time professional footballer she led a completely different life.
      Alanna Kennedy is now fighting for the WSL title with Man CityCredit: Getty
      The defender represented Australia at the Women’s World Cup this summerCredit: Getty
      When she was living and playing football in Australia, Kennedy worked at Pizza Hut.
      She also had a job selling football shirts at a local sportswear shop.
      The defender explained: “I got to sell Socceroos jerseys. Before that I was working at Pizza Hut.”
      However, Kennedy’s time at the restaurant was cut short after her boss caught her skipping a shift to visit friend and team-mate Caitlin Foord.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      She added: “I had a shift on a Friday night but I decided late to go down to Wollongong to see Caitlin.
      “I cancelled my shift. I called in and told my boss ‘I’m not well’. I caught a bus down there and as I’m standing at the bus stop, one of the delivery drivers drove past with my boss in the car.
      “I never worked there again.”
      Kennedy has since gone from selling Socceroos shirts to representing Australia at the Women’s World Cup in her home country.
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      The defender made five appearances for the Matildas at this summer’s tournament, scoring one goal.
      But she was ruled out of the semi-final against England due to an illness that was later deemed to be delayed concussion.
      Kennedy is now battling for the WSL title with Man City.
      The Cityzens currently sit at the top of the table with seven points from their opening three games.
      Kennedy used to sell football shirts and work in Pizza Hut before becoming a full-time footballerCredit: Getty More

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      Jorge Vilda to become Morocco women’s boss a month after being fired from Spain head coach job

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      JORGE VILDA is set to return to coaching just over a month after being axed from his role as Spain Women’s boss. The controversial head coach will take charge of Morocco Women’s national team with an official unveiling scheduled on Sunday. 
      Jorge Vilda is to become Morocco women’s coach and sporting directorCredit: AFP
      The unveiling of Vilda as the Atlas Lionesses’ new boss comes 40 days after he was sacked from his role as Spain women’s head coachCredit: Getty
      Vilda, 42, was dismissed from his role as boss of the Women’s World Cup winners two weeks and two days after they won the tournament for the first time on August 20. 
      The firing of the football coach, followed the repercussions that occurred after former Spain FA President Luis Rubiales’ unwanted kiss of Jenni Hermoso. 
      The  ex-Spanish FA chief, 46, kissed Hermoso on the mouth during a medal presentation ceremony for this year’s World Cup winners.
      The incident occurred following Spain’s 1-0 defeat of England in the contest final in Sydney, Australia. 
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      Afterwards the former Barcelona striker, 33, who is her national side’s all-time record scorer, said the kiss was non-consensual.
      It is an allegation which Rubiales denies. 
      Vilda’s sacking last month came ten days after Rubiales was suspended from his job as Spanish FA president
      His former boss would later resign from the post in September following his suspension.
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      Former La Roja gaffer Vilda came under fire for applauding his ex-boss during an emergency Spanish FA assembly.
      During the gathering Rubiales initially refused to quit his role as president following his controversial kiss. 
      Vilda’s impending appointment as Morocco Women’s head coach comes while he is under investigation as part of an alleged sexual assault and coercion case against Rubiales.
      The case was brought to court by Hermoso following the kiss incident.
      Vilda is set to replace Reynald Pedros at the helm of the 2022 Women’s African Cup of Nations finalists. 
      In August the Frenchman guided the team to the World Cup’s last 16 stage with Morocco reaching the tournament’s knockout stage for the first time in their history.
      However Pedros was axed from his role following the team losing two friendly fixtures to Zambia  last month including a 6-2 defeat at home. 
      They are due to play Namibia in November over two legs in round two of CAF’s Women’s Olympic qualifying tournament. 
      Reports in Spain claim Champions League-winning coach Lluis Cortez turned down the chance to become Morocco’s head coach prior to Vilda’s appointment. 
      Morocco made history by reaching the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup for the first time this yearCredit: Alamy
      Spanish sports journalist Andrea Pelaez claimed former Barcelona boss rejected the job upon learning that Vilda would be joining his set-up. 
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      It is thought the ex-La Roja boss was initially expected to become a technical director of grassroots. 
      However he will become the team’s coach and sporting director. More

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      England Lionesses goalkeeper Mary Earps’ shirts sell out hours after going on sale – and now fetching huge sums on eBay

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      NIKE finally released Mary Earps England shirts on Monday – only for them to sell out in a matter of hours.Earps, 30, was left “hugely disappointed” ahead of this summer’s Women’s World Cup after the sportswear company failed to put any goalkeeper shirts on sale.
      Nike finally released Mary Earps shirts on MondayCredit: Getty
      Some sold for double the retail price on eBay
      The Manchester United star also revealed that she had been “fighting behind closed doors” and “trying to go through the correct channels” in a bid to find a solution.
      Nike initially decided against selling the shirts, but they made a U-turn in August and announced that a limited quantity would be released.
      And on Monday morning, exactly 50 days after the World Cup final, they were finally put on sale.
      Three colour options – pink, green and yellow – were available to fans with ‘Earps 1’ on the back.
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      The shirts were priced at £99.95 on the official Nike website, but some have since been put up on eBay for DOUBLE the price.
      Two shirts – one yellow and one pink – have been sold for an astonishing £199.99.
      Another two have both been sold for £159.99 and one has gone for £174.99.
      Earps took to Instagram on Monday evening to confirm that Nike will be putting more shirts on sale at retail price.
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      She said: “Didn’t realise these were going on sale today and you’ve sold them out already!
      “More are coming before the end of the year and in more sizes (kids & adults) – so stay tuned!
      “Thank you all for your incredible support on this. You guys have made this happen!”
      The United star played a crucial part in England’s journey to the Women’s World Cup final earlier this year.
      Although England suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain at the last hurdle, Earps came away from Australia with the Golden Glove.
      She was also named The Best Women’s Goalkeeper in the World by FIFA in February. More

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      Women’s World Cup winners touched my BUM during celebrations as ‘euphoric as peace declared in Ukraine’, Rubiales claims

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      FORMER Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales claimed that the Women’s World Cup winners touched his bum during celebrations at the final.As he tried to prove his innocence, Rubiales told Spain’s National Court that the kiss to Jenni Hermoso was “something natural between two people who have been living together for a long time.”
      Luis Rubiales claimed that the Women’s World Cup players touched his bum during the final celebrationsCredit: Getty
      The former Spanish FA chief made claims to Spain’s National Court that he was ‘picked up’ and ‘grabbed’Credit: Getty
      Rubiales has denied any wrongdoing over the kiss to Jenni Hermoso that sparked outrage
      The former Spanish FA president called Hermoso, 33, “untruthful” as he made his defense while continuing to show no remorse in front of the court.
      The judge proceeded to ask Rubiales if there had been consent from the footballer before the kiss at the Women’s World Cup in Australia – but instead, he claimed the players touched his bum during the celebrations.
      “I was hugging the players, the coach when she passed by. She came towards me to give me a hug,” he said.
      “We hugged, she picked me up and I made a gesture to not fall, all of this in a conversation in the one where I remind her that without her we would not have won the World Cup. So I ask her, I ask her. And she tells me okay”.
      READ MORE ON LUIS RUBIALES
      “She grabs me wherever she can, I grab her too and there’s no more”.
      He explained that two to three minutes later, all the players picked him up and covered him.
      “And at that moment I won’t say that they shouldn’t touch me, excuse me, my a**, my knees, or the back.
      “We have won a World Cup and the tremendous euphoria and joy there is is indescribable,” he said.
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      “It happened as naturally as when you win the Lottery or the war in Ukraine is over or you win a World Cup, this effusiveness, this spontaneity. She said it herself, she told me it’s okay,” Rubiales added.
      Rubiales was removed from office on August 26 in order to protect the ongoing investigation into his conduct at the Women’s World Cup Final.
      FIFA made the move to block potential witness tampering by Rubiales when its disciplinary committee suspended the now-ousted Spanish football president, the sports governing body said.
      The provisional ban was imposed “particularly so that potential testimonies could be given freely and without any type of pressure, fear or reprisals,” FIFA disciplinary judge Jorge Palacio wrote.
      FIFA did not initially suspend Rubiales when it opened a case on August 24 into incidents that occurred four days earlier in Sydney, Australia.
      The nine-page document said other incidents in the investigation include Rubiales “carrying the Spanish player Athenea del Castillo over his shoulder during the post-match celebrations” and grabbing his crotch while celebrating Spain’s 1-0 win over England.
      The shocking moment happened as he stood next to Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter Sofia.
      Footage of the moment was uploaded by Spanish politician Pablo Echenique, who has slammed Rubiales for his behaviour.
      He said: “As well as giving Jenni Hermoso a non-consensual kiss on the lips while he grabbed her head, an act that could represent the commission of a crime, Rubiales also celebrated Spain’s victory grabbing his testicles next to the queen and her daughter.”
      The Spanish FA chief later responded to the criticism of the kiss and defended his actions on Radio Marca.
      “The kiss with Jenni?”, he said. “There are idiots everywhere.
      On September 15, Rubiales was slapped with a restraining order that banned him from contacting Hermoso or going within 200 meters of her.
      It came after Hermoso alleged she and her relatives were put under pressure by the former Spanish footy official and his entourage to say that she approved what happened.
      But he remained unrepentant and insisted he would “defend his innocence”.
      Hermoso claimed she “felt vulnerable and the victim of aggression” after the kiss.
      Footage appeared to show Rubiales planting a kiss on the player after Spain triumphed over England at the Women’s World Cup final last month.
      Rubiales initially refused to resign and blamed “false feminism” for his “social assassination”.
      In a tweet, he claimed the kiss was “affectionate” and Hermoso had “consented”.
      In the wake of the “kiss-gate” scandal, Rubiales has been forced to sell his luxury Madrid apartment as he continues to face mounting legal bills.
      He is also forking out 800 euros per month for each of his three daughters after his ex-wife won a lawsuit against him, according to El Mundo.
      This financial blow meant that the ex-football boss had to give up his stunning modern property in order to secure funding for his ongoing legal fight.
      The disgraced FA chief has continued to insist he is innocent of any wrongdoing.
      Read More on The Sun
      The judge’s investigation precedes any formal charges under Spanish law and will decide whether the case goes to trial.
      If it does, Rubiales could face between one and four years imprisonment if found guilty.
      Rubiales was slapped with a restraining order last month that banned him from contacting HermosoCredit: Getty
      Rubiales was removed from his position on August 26 in order to protect the ongoing investigationCredit: Reuters More