bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 2, 2023 22:03:09 GMT
Kerys Harrop: Tottenham defender breaks Women's Super League all-time appearance record..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/590A/production/_129249722_gettyimages-1476285802.jpgHarrop, who has represented England at youth level, lifted the 2014 FA Cup and reached the 2014 Champions League semi-finals with Birmingham City.Tottenham Hotspur defender Kerys Harrop broke the record for most Women's Super League appearances by playing in her 178th game in the competition. Harrop, 32, overtook Gilly Flaherty and Kate Longhurst as Tottenham lost 2-1 to Everton on Sunday. "She's a born winner," said Spurs interim manager Vicky Jepson. Longhurst could have pulled back level with Harrop but was an unused substitute as West Ham drew 0-0 with Liverpool later on Sunday. Harrop made her WSL debut in 2011 for Birmingham City, where she played 135 league games. In her nine years there, the former England Under-20 defender helped Birmingham to two second-placed league finishes and FA Cup success in 2012. Harrop joined Spurs in 2020 and has since played 43 times in the competition. "She's been a part of the history of the WSL from when it started and we had the Spring Series," added Jepson in the build-up to her side's match with Everton. "She's got some stories that's for sure. She had to pay to play and now she is being paid to play, so what a journey that is. "She is so competitive. She turns up to win every time whether that's a possession-based practice or on matchday."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 2, 2023 22:05:55 GMT
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 4, 2023 8:03:06 GMT
New England kit for Women's World Cup has blue shorts because of period concerns..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/AA2D/production/_129256534_england-home-and-away-kits.jpgEngland will wear blue shorts instead of white at this summer's Women's World Cup after players expressed period concerns. The new home kit will be worn for the first time in Thursday's inaugural Finalissima against Brazil at Wembley. It is white with blue details and blue shorts, while the away kit is all blue. Players including Beth Mead and Georgia Stanway spoke out about wearing white shorts during England's victorious Euro 2022 campaign. At the time, the Football Association (FA) said the colour of the shorts would not change during the tournament, but that the situation would continue to be looked at and players' feedback would be taken into consideration for future designs. It added: "We recognise the importance and want our players to feel our continued support on this matter. We have appealed to international tournament organisers to keep this subject in consideration and allow for greater flexibility on kit colour combinations." ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/10AF9/production/_129254386_gettyimages-1247392893.jpgEngland wore an all-white kit during February's Arnold Clark Cup
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 4, 2023 8:06:29 GMT
Man Utd's Leah Galton has no plans to end England absence..By Emma Sandersichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/D542/production/_129249545_gettyimages-1250321814.jpgManchester United forward Leah Galton says she remains content without international football despite her club form sparking England's interest. Galton, 28, asked not to be selected for England in 2019 and has no intention of making herself available before this summer's World Cup. She has three assists and eight goals in 15 Women's Super League appearances this season. "Right now it's hard. I'm really getting my balance right," said Galton. "I'm not going away and travelling on international camps so I have time off and time to be a normal person in a sense. I can go away with my family and have overnight stays with them. "That's where I'm getting the balance right. It worries me a little bit that if I change that, I wouldn't have that balance. "It's always nice to hear England are asking where my head is at because you can see the talents of those players and to be compared to that is nice. But I'm so happy right now doing what I'm doing." Uncapped Galton was selected for England's friendlies against Germany and the Czech Republic in 2019 - just a year after she took time out from football following a spell with Bayern Munich. Casey Stoney, her United manager at the time, said Galton was "just starting to fall back in love" with football. Since then, her form has continued to impress at United and she has been a key player this season, helping them to an FA Cup semi-final, while they also sit top of the Women's Super League. Galton, who scored twice in Saturday's WSL win over Brighton, says it is still "hard" for people to understand her decision not to play for England. "I think if they can't understand it, then that's on them," added Galton. "I just want people to be able to see it from my point of view and I'll happily talk about it because it doesn't bother me. I know some people still think: 'What's she doing? Why is she turning down this?' "Until they're in this situation, playing every day and are in this line of work, I don't think they would ever understand." Galton's club-mates Mary Earps, Ella Toone, Alessia Russo and Nikita Parris won Euro 2022 with England and will be hoping to go to the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand this summer. "The girls are unbelievable. I train with a few of them every day so I can see that. I fully back them and I'm really excited to watch them this summer - and I think they'll do really well," Galton added. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/63FA/production/_129249552_gettyimages-1465665790.jpg
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 4, 2023 22:09:20 GMT
Women's Euro 2025: Switzerland to host tournament..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/18265/production/_129271989_gettyimages-1242244828-1.jpgSwitzerland will host the 2025 Women's European Championship. England hosted and won the 2022 tournament, which was played a year later than scheduled because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Last year's Euros broke attendance records with a total of more than half a million spectators. Uefa selected Switzerland over bids from Poland, France and a joint bid from Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Ukraine also expressed interest in hosting the event before the Russian invasion. Switzerland failed to make it out of their group in 2022 but will qualify for the 2025 tournament automatically as hosts, with the qualification process for other nations beginning in spring 2024. "This is a historic day for Switzerland, the SFA and women's football," Swiss Football Association president Dominique Blanc said. "This major step will shape the development of women's football at all levels." The tournament will take place over four weeks in June and July 2025 across eight cities: Basel, Bern, Geneva, Zurich, St Gallen, Sion, Lucerne and Thun. England's 2-1 victory over Germany in the 2022 final was watched by 87,192 spectators at Wembley - a record for a men's or women's European Championship final. It was also watched by a peak BBC One television audience of 17.4 million, making it the most-watched women's football game on UK television with a record global audience of more than 365 million people throughout the tournament. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/9495/production/_129273083_gettyimages-1242245106.jpg
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 6, 2023 14:13:18 GMT
Women's Finalissima: England face Brazil at sold-out Wembley in historic first...LIVE ON ITV 1 AT 7.45PM.
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/0555/production/_129256310_gettyimages-1247409339.jpgAfter lifting the European Championship trophy at Wembley last summer, England have the chance to win another title in front of a sold-out crowd at their national stadium this week. Sarina Wiegman's side take on Brazil on Thursday in the first Women's Finalissima - a match between the European and South American champions. "It's a great occasion," said Wiegman. "There will be 90,000 people, so it's going to be a really exciting environment and two teams who want to play football with a very good history in football." As the countdown gathers pace before the Women's World Cup this July and August in Australia and New Zealand, this game offers both teams a chance to test themselves against quality opposition. It's a one-off game between the champions of Europe and South America, although it's not one that happens very often. Last year brought the first Finalissima since 1993, with Argentina's men's team beating Italy 3-0 at Wembley. Three Finalissimas have taken place in total - the first was in 1985, with France defeating Uruguay in Paris - but it has never featured women's teams before. Following the 2022 match, it was agreed between Uefa and Conmebol that a similar match between the women's champions would take place at the same stadium the following year. Brazil qualified as South America's representatives on 30 July by beating Colombia 1-0 in the final of the Copa America Femenina. The following day, England secured their spot by beating Germany 2-1 after extra time in the Euro 2022 final. Arsenal and Brazil defender Rafaelle Souza - the only England-based player in Brazil's squad - said: "It is going to be a special night with all these people here. I feel special to have this opportunity. I played in the Olympics with 70,000 people and it was amazing. "This game will be important not just for women's football but for me as a player. I will tell my child I played at Wembley in front of 90,000 and it will be special for me." If there is no winner inside 90 minutes, the match goes straight to penalties. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/88D4/production/_129282053_england_x_brazil-01-ve_copy.png
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 6, 2023 18:10:49 GMT
England v Brazil - LIVE ON ITV 1 AT 7.45PM.ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/1440/cpsprodpb/59CB/production/_129278922_gettyimages-1431454155.jpg...................................................................................................................... Wales v Northern Ireland - Cardiff City Stadium, Wales - 7.15pmichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/1440/cpsprodpb/1023B/production/_129270166_gettyimages-1232025084.jpgWales are without a few regular starters for tonight's game with Kayleigh Green, Carrie Jones and Lily Woodham all missing out through injury. That means Leicester's Hannah Cain is given a chance in a fluid front three with Ceri Holland and Rachel Rowe. Woodham's injury gives a chance to the recalled Esther Morgan who has recovered from injury, while Olivia Clark gets the nod in goal ahead of Laura O'Sullivan. Wales: Clark, Roberts, E Morgan, Ladd, Evans; James, Ingle, Fishlock; Holland, Cain, Rowe Subs: O'Sullivan, Middleton-Patel, Williams, Green, Walters, Hughes, Estcourt, Powell, Wynne, Griffiths, Filbey, F Morgan With Jackie Burns out injured, Andy Waterworth hands Wolves goalkeeper Shannon Turner a debut in Cardiff. Turner came into the squad for the Euros in the summer and is yet to make an appearance, but tonight she makes her first start. Megan Bell is straight into midfield as she makes her international return from long-term injury, and Kelsie Burrows is named at centre back in place of injured Julie Nelson. Ellie Mason has been rewarded for her fine form with Lewes and is handed the striker's jersey and will be flanked by Reading's Lauren Wade and Glentoran's Caragh Hamilton. Rachel Furness, back in the squad after stepping back for personal reasons in August, will have to wait to make her return from the bench. Northern Ireland: Turner, McKenna, McFadden, Burrows, Vance, Caldwell, Bell, Callaghan (capt), Wade, Hamilton, Mason. Subs: Harvey-Clifford, Woods, C McGuinness, Rafferty, McCarron, Furness, K McGuinness, Holloway, Wilson, Andrews, Beattie, Magee
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eppinggas
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Ian Alexander
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Post by eppinggas on Apr 6, 2023 18:34:58 GMT
New England kit for Women's World Cup has blue shorts because of period concerns..England will wear blue shorts instead of white at this summer's Women's World Cup after players expressed period concerns. The new home kit will be worn for the first time in Thursday's inaugural Finalissima against Brazil at Wembley. It is white with blue details and blue shorts, while the away kit is all blue. Players including Beth Mead and Georgia Stanway spoke out about wearing white shorts during England's victorious Euro 2022 campaign. At the time, the Football Association (FA) said the colour of the shorts would not change during the tournament, but that the situation would continue to be looked at and players' feedback would be taken into consideration for future designs. It added: "We recognise the importance and want our players to feel our continued support on this matter. We have appealed to international tournament organisers to keep this subject in consideration and allow for greater flexibility on kit colour combinations." England wore an all-white kit during February's Arnold Clark Cup Red shorts probably make more sense. |
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 6, 2023 22:21:14 GMT
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 6, 2023 22:24:57 GMT
Wales 4 (Fishlock 16, James 25, Cain 30, Rowe 64) Northern Ireland 1 (Wade 73)ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/0064/production/_129300100_gettyimages-1480363362.jpgJess Fishlock starred as Wales breezed past Northern Ireland 4-1 in a friendly at the Cardiff City Stadium. Fishlock opened the scoring in the 16th minute before two quick goals from Angharad James and Hannah Cain put the hosts in control. Rachel Rowe made it four in the second half before Lauren Wade scored a well-taken consolation. Northern Ireland were playing under interim boss Andy Waterworth after Kenny Shiels left his role in January. Gemma Grainger's side were playing on home soil for the first time since narrowly missing out on the World Cup and put on a first-half show in front of the 6,831-strong crowd. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/16BAC/production/_129300139_83119ce2-4117-40a2-aebd-c2d381c586b5copy.jpgWales manager Gemma Grainger told BBC Sport Wales:"We know we are a team that creates chances and tonight to score four goals is really pleasing. "We've worked hard to turn chances into goals and tonight we've really performed with the finishing and have seen four different goal scorers. "I look at the players we didn't have available for selection and the players who have stepped in, it's really great for the team. "These games are about learning and of course we want to keep clean sheets, I know conceding will hurt the players. It's a mentality challenge to keep your standards when you go 3-0 up." Northern Ireland interim-manager Andy Waterworth told BBC Sport Northern Ireland:"Congratulations to Wales, in the first-half they were really good. "In the first-half we were nervous… but I saw a lot of character in the second-half. "There was enough in the game in the second-half to give us some positivity going forward. "The Wales team are in their season and we are out of our (domestic season) and you could tell that, but as coaches we are taking loads of positives out of it."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 7, 2023 19:05:51 GMT
Alex Greenwood: Manchester City defender withdraws from England squad for Australia friendly..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/D386/production/_129305145_gettyimages-1480388254.jpgDefender Alex Greenwood has pulled out of England's squad for their friendly against Australia on Tuesday. The 29-year-old played the full game in Thursday's inaugural Finalissima, scoring a spot-kick as the Lionesses beat Brazil 4-2 in a penalty shootout at Wembley. Greenwood received medical treatment on the pitch after hitting her head on the ground in the 73rd minute. The Manchester City centre-back has returned to her club for treatment. Manager Sarina Wiegman has not called up a replacement for Greenwood. England centre-back Millie Bright withdrew from the squad last month with Arsenal defender Lotte Wubben-Moy called up to replace her. The Lionesses play their last scheduled fixture before this summer's World Cup against Australia at Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium on Tuesday. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/8566/production/_129305143_gettyimages-1250832018.jpg
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 7, 2023 19:15:31 GMT
Women's Finalissima: 'This was the test England needed and they passed it'..By Emma Sandersichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/73A0/production/_129300692_gettyimages-1250834906.jpgConceding a late equaliser and having to deal with the pressures of a penalty shootout at Wembley Stadium - this was the test England needed and they passed it. At times under Sarina Wiegman the Lionesses have appeared invincible. Winning silverware has become a habit and the feeling of defeat is long gone from memory. But with four months to go until the World Cup kicks off in Australia and New Zealand, they needed a serious challenge to avoid going into that tournament underprepared. A young but talented Brazilian side gave England exactly that in the first Women's Finalissima on Thursday night - and once again Wiegman's players delivered on the big stage, winning a penalty shootout after conceding a 93rd-minute equaliser in normal time. "I was pretty calm [in the shootout]. This game brings us so much information," Wiegman told BBC Sport. "In the second half we really struggled. In the moment I don't like it, because it's very nice when you control the game. And we lost control in the second half. "But afterwards, we take so much from this game. We really needed this in our preparation for the World Cup."
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It was fitting that Kelly, who scored that unforgettable winner at Wembley last year, was the one to net the deciding spot-kick in the shootout against Brazil.
Manchester United's Ella Toone has also maintained her goalscoring exploits having developed from a Euros super-sub to a regular starter in the absence of injured midfielder Fran Kirby.
And there was a testing moment for England's number one Mary Earps - so formidable in last summer's tournament, earning her the Fifa Best Goalkeeper award - when her mistake led to Brazil's equaliser at the death, only for the Manchester United star to respond by making an important save in the shootout.
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"It's huge testament to Earps' personality and character. She would have obviously been massively disappointed with that mistake," former England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"To be able to put it right and take control [in the shootout], says a lot about her and her preparation. You can tell the team has a lot of faith in her.
"I loved the celebrations. Everyone went straight to Earps and she was just drinking it in. Again, it speaks to the mentality of this team. They love winning."
Everton midfielder Izzy Christiansen added: "I did think, 'Can Mary Earps recover from that mistake and perform in a penalty shootout?' Absolutely. Another box ticked.
"Winning and lifting trophies is starting to become a habit."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 9, 2023 18:52:34 GMT
Lionesses: Steph Houghton says omission from England squad has been 'mentally tough'..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/1090B/production/_129315876_gettyimages-1250493698.jpgManchester City's Steph Houghton says dealing with omission from the England squad has been "mentally tough". Houghton, 34, has 121 England caps but has not played for her country since 2021 having suffered injury problems. The fit-again defender is targeting an England return for the World Cup, which takes place in Australia and New Zealand in July and August. "I'm back to where I want to be and I'm pushing for England," Houghton told BBC Radio 5 Live. "But it's been difficult. It is frustrating from a personal view, and that won't stop me wanting the girls to do well, but I still want to keep knocking on the door." Houghton, who captained England for eight years, says she is being "realistic" about her World Cup hopes, but that it will be hard to take if the call-up does not come. "Anything can happen so I just need to make sure I stay professional and I'm ready," Houghton added. "If that moment doesn't come over the summer, then I think I just need to re-evaluate everything I've done over the last year, because it has been mentally tough." Sarina Wiegman's Lionesses are enjoying a sensational run of form as they continue unbeaten since her appointment in 2021, having won the nation's first major women's football trophy at the Euros last summer. Houghton accepts the difficulty of breaking in to a winning team and understands Wiegman's position, but believes she still has something to offer in the squad. "I thought I was probably in the best position over March and April but sometimes no matter what you do, you're not going to please someone," she said. "I just want closure on the situation. Have I got a chance, or is it not possible? But, I understand she can't provide that closure because there's a World Cup coming up and you've got to have as many players available. "I respect what she has done for the country and I'm proud of all the girls and what they've achieved, but as a professional footballer you want to be playing in the best teams and tournaments and the World Cup is certainly that." ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/2293/production/_129315880_gettyimages-1465120208.jpg
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 10, 2023 13:26:52 GMT
Steph Houghton: World Cup selection unlikely but door 'not shut' says England boss Wiegman..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/137BA/production/_129320897_gettyimages-1324411179.jpgSarina Wiegman says former captain Steph Houghton's chances of going to the World Cup with England are "not that high" but she will "never close the door" on selection. Houghton, 34, has 121 England caps, but has not played for her country since 2021 having suffered injury problems. The defender is yet to play under Wiegman and was replaced as captain by Arsenal's Leah Williamson last summer. "It is difficult because she has done so much for the game," said Wiegman. "Everyone trains so hard and so does she. She wants of course to come back. But we had some more players I really had to disappoint with the choices I made. "That always makes it hard but what I try to do is communicate it and give some context about my choices." Earlier this week Manchester City's Houghton said dealing with omission from the England squad had been "mentally tough". She captained England for eight years and told BBC Radio 5 Live she wanted "closure on the situation". "I thought I was probably in the best position over March and April, but sometimes no matter what you do, you're not going to please someone," she added. Wiegman has numerous options in defence for England ahead of this year's tournament, which runs from 20th July - 20th August in Australia and New Zealand, with captain Williamson and Chelsea's Millie Bright the first-choice pairing at centre-back. Manchester City's Alex Greenwood, Arsenal's Lotte Wubben-Moy, Chelsea's Jess Carter and Manchester United's Maya Le Tissier were also named in this month's squad. "It's hard. At the moment [Houghton's] in a hard position because I don't want to take out the players who are in that position because they're doing really well," added Wiegman. "So the chances are not that high [for Houghton to go to the World Cup], but I will never close the door because when you are in international football you want everyone to be available. "But at this moment, I make other choices." ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/C28A/production/_129320894_gettyimages-1402885219.jpg
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 10, 2023 13:30:40 GMT
Manager Sarina Wiegman hopes England will be "challenged again" when they take on World Cup hosts Australia in a friendly in Brentford on Tuesday..The Lionesses were taken to a penalty shootout decider by Brazil on Thursday before winning the inaugural Women's Finalissima at Wembley. It was the first penalty shootout under Wiegman as England extended their unbeaten run to 30 games. "This is another big game. Australia are a big team," said Wiegman. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/CB2C/production/_129321025_gettyimages-1481147755.jpg"They are 10th in the world so I hope we will be challenged again. We don't have many games to go [until the World Cup in July]." Wiegman said there are no plans to make many changes, although England will be without defender Alex Greenwood, who has concussion following the victory over Brazil. Australia, who suffered a shock 1-0 defeat by Scotland on Friday, are expected to name a strong side, with Chelsea striker Sam Kerr set to return to the starting XI. "They rested [Kerr] for a little bit for the game," said Wiegman. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/2A96/production/_129320901_gettyimages-1468461232.jpg"Australia have had some very good results. The game against Scotland doesn't really represent what they have done over the last few months. "They are very physical and very direct. It is a little different to what Brazil did but still very challenging." England and Australia could meet in the last 16 of this summer's World Cup should they progress from their groups, but Wiegman said that was not on her mind. "We are aware that can happen at the World Cup, but this is now and we want to improve and see what we can get out of this game," she added. "We don't think that much ahead. They have some injuries, so those players might come back, and the same with us, but we will not do different things because of what might happen in the future."
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 10, 2023 13:33:26 GMT
Ella Toone says - 'I have started practising penalties more'..Thursday's victory over Copa America champions Brazil ensured England are still yet to lose a game under Wiegman. Midfielder Ella Toone says the Lionesses are "really lucky" to have Wiegman in charge and hopes there is more success to come this summer. Toone started the game against Brazil, scoring the opener in normal time before her penalty was saved in the shootout. "It was disappointing but I have come back into training feeling great," she said. "We played well and got what we wanted - we got the win. But I have started practising penalties more now in training. "Every game we play in we take lots of learnings from, and that game especially. "In the first half we put on a great show, then the second half changed and it was about how we dealt with that." ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/412C/production/_128948661_gettyimages-1471480785.jpg
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 11, 2023 13:45:33 GMT
Women's World Cup 2023 - 100 days to go until Australia and New Zealand co-host tournament..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/4F9D/production/_129218302_gettyimages-1154522862.jpgUnited States players celebrate after defeating Netherlands 2-0 in the 2019 Women's World Cup final ....................................................................................................................................................................................... Organisers of the 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup, which starts in 100 days, say they are on course to sell a record 1.5 million tickets. Around 650,000 have been sold for the event in Australia and New Zealand. "Fifa's mission is to organise the biggest and best Women's World Cup in history this year," said Fifa secretary general Fatma Samoura. The World Cup, which features England and the Republic of Ireland, starts on 20 July with the final on 20 August. As well as targeting 1.5m tickets sales, organisers predict the month-long tournament will attract a global television audience of two billion viewers. Fifa hope more than 100,000 fans will attend the event's opening day overall, when New Zealand play 1995 winners Norway at the 50,000 capacity Eden Park in Auckland - kick-off at 08:00 BST - and Australia face the Republic of Ireland at the 83,500 capacity Stadium Australia in Sydney (11:00). Australia's opening match was originally due to be played at Sydney Football Stadium, which holds 45,500 people, but has been moved to a bigger venue to meet the demand for tickets. The last phase of ticket sales has just started for what promises to be another big milestone in women's football. ..................................................................................................................................................................... ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/F259/production/_128714026_englandwomenswc.pngThe Lionesses launch their Group D campaign against Haiti in Brisbane on 22nd July (10:30) before facing Denmark in Sydney six days later (09:30) and China in Adelaide on 1st August (12:00). ....................................................................................................................................................................... ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/A821/production/_128714034_republicofirelandwomenswc.pngRepublic of Ireland boss Vera Pauw described her side's Group B campaign as "tough" before adding: "This is what we've always been striving for." After facing Australia in Sydney, the Republic meet Canada in Perth on 26th July (13:00) and then face Nigeria in Brisbane on 31st July (11:00).
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 11, 2023 18:19:47 GMT
ENGLAND V AUSTRALIA - TUE 11th APR 2023 - WOMEN'S INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY - Venue: Gtech Community Stadium, England - 7.45pm - Live on ITV 4ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/1440/cpsprodpb/41C1/production/_129333861_gettyimages-1481434091.jpgTeam news - Emma SandersSarina Wiegman makes two changes to the England team who beat Brazil in last week's Finalissima. One is enforced as Manchester City defender Alex Greenwood returned to her club with concussion. Jess Carter replaces her at centre-back, with Esme Morgan expected to play in the left-back position. Amid competition for places up front, it is Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly who get the nod with Lauren James on the bench. England XI: Earps, Bronze, Williamson, Carter, Morgan, Walsh, Stanway, Toone, Russo, Kelly, Hemp. ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/4/11/18ba8b60-d9ca-4982-9e7d-ec05039dc562.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/10ED5/production/_129333396_gettyimages-1481431678.jpg............................................................................................................................................................................ There are plenty of familiar names in an Australia squad packed with WSL talent. The big news is that captain and Chelsea superstar Sam Kerr returns to the starting XI. Arsenal duo Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley did not travel across London due to injury. Manchester City duo Hayley Raso and Mary Fowler start. Australia XI: Arnold, Polkinghorne, Fowler, Yallop, Raso, Gorry, Kerr, Carpenter, Grant, Cooney-Cross, Hunt.
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bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,755
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 11, 2023 21:53:05 GMT
England 0 Australia 2 (Kerr 32, Grant 67)ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/CC77/production/_129334325_gettyimages-1481448326.jpgEngland's 30-game unbeaten run under Sarina Wiegman came to a humbling end as Sam Kerr helped Australia to victory in a friendly at Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium. The European champions were far from their best on a wet evening in west London and paid for it as Chelsea's Kerr scored and assisted for the visitors either side of half-time. With less than four months to go until Australia co-host the World Cup, England's vulnerabilities were exposed and they were given the test they had wished for - though this time failed to pass it. England's last defeat was against Canada in April 2021 under interim boss Hege Riise but they were pushed to the wire in Thursday's Finalissima with Brazil, needing a penalty shootout to win. Kerr, returning to the Australia starting XI after being rested in their 1-0 defeat by Scotland last week, tormented England's defence throughout and pounced on a mistake by captain Leah Williamson for the opener. She later floated in a deep cross for Charlotte Grant, whose powerful header from a long way out bounced unkindly off Williamson and past goalkeeper Mary Earps to cap off a frustrating evening for the Arsenal defender. Defeat is unfamiliar territory for the Lionesses and it is perhaps a good lesson to experience before the World Cup, but they have looked lacklustre in large spells this month and will have things to improve on. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/5B2F/production/_129334332_gettyimages-1481461020.jpgichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/11A97/production/_129334327_gettyimages-1481447617.jpg
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bluetornados
Predictions League
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 15,755
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 13, 2023 8:22:24 GMT
Ada Hegerberg: Barcelona remain interested in Lyon forward after two rejected bids..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/E79D/production/_129339295_gettyimages-1399211955.jpgBarcelona remain interested in signing Lyon forward Ada Hegerberg despite two rejected bids by the French club in the last 12 months. Barca tried to sign the Norway striker, 27, in the summer, but a deal could not be struck for the former Ballon d'Or winner. She has one year remaining on her contract at the European Champions, but it is believed she has no immediate plans to leave as she continues her comeback after a six-month lay-off following a leg injury. Hegerberg is set to feature at this summer's World Cup and is believed to be the highest-paid player in women's football. She is a six-time Champions League winner and is the competition's all-time record scorer with 58 goals. Since joining Lyon in 2014, she has won seven French championships and five French Cups. In January she suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury and was side-lined for 20 months before returning in October 2021. Meanwhile, France midfielder Amandine Henry is not expected to extend her contract at Lyon this summer and is likely to join Angel City in the National Women's Soccer League. The transfer window is open in France from 1st July - 20th September, Spain from 3rd July - 1st September and England from 9th June - 31st August. ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Ada Hegerberg: Total Career Stats Are: Age 27, Played 418 & Goals 369, Clubs: Kolbotn, Stabaek, Turbine Potsdam, Lyon & Norway.
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