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Spain will face England in Sunday’s Women’s World Cup final less than a year after 15 players staged a mutiny over their treatment. The row, which broke out in September last year, threatened to derail coach Jorge Vilda’s mission before an uneasy peace was brokered as the tournament neared. Here, the PA news agency takes a look at what happened and the repercussions. What is Vilda’s background? The 42-year-old is steeped in football having grown up watching is father Angel – currently head of women’s football at the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) – working as a physical trainer for among others, Luis Aragones at Atletico Madrid, Johan Cruyff at Barcelona and Jupp Heynckes at Real Madrid. Having worked his way up through the age groups, he was appointed manager in 2015 following predecessor Ignacio Quereda’s departure amid player unrest. When did news of the row emerge? The RFEF – or the Real Federacion Espanola de Futbol – released a statement on September 22 last year revealing that 15 players had submitted identical emails withdrawing their services if “significant” concerns over their “emotional state” and “health” were not addressed. Who were the players? “Las 15”, as they became known, were Patri Guijarro, Aitana Bonmati, Mapi Leon, Mariona Caldentey, Sandra Panos, Claudia Pina, Lola Gallardo, Ainhoa Moraza, Nerea Eizagirre, Amaiur Sarriegi, Lucia Garcia, Ona Batlle, Leila Ouahabi, Laia Aleixandri and Andrea Pereira. At the time, six of them played their club football at Barcelona, two each at Manchester City, Manchester United, Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad and one at Club America. Perhaps significantly, no Real Madrid players joined them. The protesters were supported publicly by skipper Irene Paredes, Jennifer Hermoso and Alexia Putellas, although the trio did not send the email. What were their complaints? Details remain vague, but reports since based on anonymous briefings have suggested members of the squad were unhappy in the wake of their Euro 2022 quarter-final exit at the hands of England. Further reports have claimed misgivings over travel and accommodation arrangements, but also complaints over the strictness of Vilda’s regime, including allegations that players were ordered to keep the doors to their hotel rooms open until midnight and had their bags searched if they went shopping during training camps. What was the RFEF’s response? The national team needs players committed to the project, defending our colours and proud to wear the Spain shirt RFEF statement Uncompromising to say the least. Acknowledging receipt of the emails, the Federation said deciding the make-up of the coaching staff was not within the players’ powers, although Paredes later insisted they had not called for Vilda’s head. The RFEF statement continued: “The national team needs players committed to the project, defending our colours and proud to wear the Spain shirt. The footballers who have submitted their resignation will only return to the discipline of the national team in the future if they accept their mistake and ask for forgiveness.” How has the issue been resolved? If an accommodation has been reached, it appears to be a delicate one. Only three members of Las 15 – Bonmati, Caldentey and Batlle – as well as Putellas, Paredes and Hermoso, were included in Vilda’s squad for the finals and Barcelona’s Leon in particular has been outspoken in her resistance. Vilda, who was not applauded by a significant number of his players when introduced at his squad announcement, revealed his “hurt” at the revolt, but called for a renewed united front and there have been suggestions from within the camp of a more relaxed atmosphere. However, although his team has gelled on the pitch, the coach has found himself largely on the periphery during post-match celebrations.

Australia may have had its dream of Women's World Cup glory end on Wednesday following a 3-1 defeat to England, but that did not stop captain Sam Kerr from calling for more soccer funding in the country as it looks to take advantage of the boom in interest in the sport following the tournament.

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US women's national team coach Vlatko Andonovski has resigned, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The move comes less than two weeks after the Americans were knocked out of the Women's World Cup earlier than ever before. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the move had not been officially announced. An announcement was expected Thursday. The four-time tournament champions struggled throughout this World Cup. A victory over Vietnam to kick off the group stage was followed by a pair of draws against Netherlands and Portugal — barely enough to get the team into the knockout stage, The Americans played well in the Round of 16 against Sweden, but ultimately fell on penalties after a scoreless tie. The U.S. scored just four goals over the course of the tournament. The United States had never finished worse that third in the tournament. The 46-year-old Mr Andonovski was named coach of the United States in October 2019, taking over for Jill Ellis, who led the United States to back-to-back World Cup titles. He finished 51-5-9 during his time with the team. It wasn't just the World Cup that hurt Mr Andonovski's chances of keeping his job. The United States also finished with a disappointing bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Kate Markgraf, general manager of the U.S. women's team, stuck with Mr Andonovski following the Olympics and the team focused on developing young players ahead of the World Cup. The United States was bitten by injuries in the run-up to the tournament, losing a pair of key players. Mallory Swanson injured her knee during a friendly in April, and captain Becky Sauerbrunn couldn't recover from a foot injury in time. The World Cup was challenging for many elite teams because of the ever-growing parity in the women's game. Germany, Brazil and Canada, the winners in Tokyo, also got knocked out early. Andonovski was head coach of Seattle's OL Reign in the National Women’s Soccer League when he was hired. During his seven years in the NWSL, he led the now-defunct FC Kansas City from the league’s inception in 2013 until the club folded in 2017, winning two league titles with the team. Andonovski, a native of Skopje, Macedonia, played for several teams in Europe before embarking on a professional indoor soccer career in the United States. His predecessor, Ms Ellis, was named coach of the team in 2014 and led the US to eight overall tournament titles, including victories at the World Cup in 2015 and 2019. Over the course of her tenure, the United States lost just seven matches. Now the process will start to find a replacement, and the timeline is relatively short. The United States has already qualified for the 2024 Olympics in France. Read More Women’s World Cup LIVE: England prepare for final against Spain and latest reaction to win over Australia What time is the World Cup final on Sunday and who will England play? A timeline of Donald Trump’s spat with Megan Rapinoe: ‘Nice shot Megan, the USA is going to Hell!!!’ USA face ‘critical’ decision as Andonovski exits after disastrous World Cup Support grows for bank holiday if Lionesses win World Cup final Ella Toone’s PE teacher reveals why it’s no surprise she’s in the World Cup final

The PFA have unveiled the six nominees for the 2022/23 PFA Players' Player of the Year award.

Australia missed out on a first appearance in a Women’s World Cup final after a 3-1 defeat to England in Sydney. The Matildas fell behind in the first half at Stadium Australia before Sam Kerr levelled with a spectacular finish from distance. But goals from Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo secured victory for the Lionesses late on to take Sarina Wiegman’s side through to a second consecutive major tournament final. Australia had flourished on home soil during the World Cup, even in the injury-enforced absence of star Kerr for much of the campaign, to progress to the last four for the first time. A last-four defeat nonetheless left the nation wondering what might have been, with Tony Gustavsson’s side now heading to Brisbane for the third place play-off against Sweden on Saturday. Domestic media reports took in the defeat and the emotion of the occasion afterwards with a string of headlines and front pages reflecting on their semi-final appearance. The front page of The Australian reflected both the disappointment and how support has swelled behind the Matildas during the tournament, saying: “Dream Kerr-tailed but national love affair’s just begun”. Sydney’sDaily Telegraph similarly played with the star forward’s name, describing the result as a “Heart breakerr”. “Pride and pain,” read the front of Melbourne daily The Age, whileThe Sydney Morning Herald also reflected a similar theme, describing the Matildas as “queens of hearts” over an image showing the Australia squad gathered together in a heart shape after their defeat. In Perth, meanwhile, The West Australian went with “It hurts …but we’re so proud” on the front of Thursday’s edition. Australian television coverage of the semi-final was watched by more than 11 million people on Channel 7 in the country. The broadcast was the most watched TV event in the nation’s history. Read More Women’s World Cup LIVE: Latest news as England reach first final Can England break cycle of World Cup shocks or will underdogs continue to thrive? USA face ‘critical’ decision as Andonovski exits after disastrous World Cup

Sir Keir Starmer has called for a celebratory bank holiday should England win Sunday’s Women’s World Cup final. The Labour leader said he was “never complacent” as he backed the suggestion in the event of the Lionesses beating Spain. The Government has said an extra bank holiday is not currently in its plans, adding it will find the “right way to celebrate” if England win. Sir Keir – writing on X, formerly known as Twitter – said: “It’s almost 60 years since England won the World Cup. “I’m never complacent about anything… but there should be a celebratory bank holiday if the Lionesses bring it home.” Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey added: “The Lionesses have made history by reaching the final, they are an inspiration to athletes across the country already. “Winning the World Cup would be a phenomenal achievement. It absolutely deserves to celebrated with a bank holiday.” Bend It Like Beckham director Gurinder Chadha, when told the Government was pouring cold water on the bank holiday idea, replied on Channel 4 news: “Well I think if the men’s team won the World Cup, I’d definitely think they wouldn’t think twice, right? “So it deserves some kind of marking, it deserves some kind of national holiday definitely or something.” Ms Chadha praised the players who have “absolutely driven” the Lionesses, adding: “Spain is a great team, but I do believe it’s theirs (England) – this is their World Cup, our World Cup.” TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “We all hope our amazing Lionesses can get over the line on Sunday. “And if they do bring it home, the Government should do the right thing and allow the country to celebrate with a special bank holiday. “It would be mean-spirited not to do so.” A Government spokesperson said: “Winning the World Cup would be a massive moment for the country and make no mistake we’ll find the right way to celebrate. “As Sarina Wiegman herself has said, the first thing to do is focus on the final and the whole country will be rooting for the Lionesses this weekend.” It deserves some kind of marking, it deserves some kind of national holiday definitely or something Gurinder Chadha The remarks followed an earlier statement to the BBC which also said: “The current pattern of public and bank holidays is well established and there are no plans to change this.” A petition on the Parliament website has been set up asking for a bank holiday. It states: “I’d like the Government to declare a bank holiday for all workers in the United Kingdom. Then we can celebrate in the achievements of England’s football team.” A 2010 House of Commons library report said the then government estimated an additional bank holiday would cost the economy £2.9 billion. Official figures released last month showed the UK economy contracted in May after businesses across the country downed tools for the King’s coronation. Gross domestic product (GDP) declined by 0.1% for the month, after increasing by 0.2% in April, the Office for National Statistics said. The contraction was driven by the extra bank holiday weekend for the royal occasion, meaning sectors like construction and finance lost a working day in the month. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Ella Toone’s PE teacher reveals why it’s no surprise she’s in the World Cup final Erling Haaland one of three Man City treble winners on shortlist for PFA award Football rumours: Liverpool ramp up bid for Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure

Lioness Ella Toone’s former PE teacher said it is “not a surprise” that the midfielder reached her first World Cup final after England beat Australia 3-1 on Wednesday. Chris Nuttall, PE teacher at Fred Longworth High School in Tyldesley, Wigan, who taught Toone from Year 9 to Year 11, said he saw the midfielder’s potential at school and “could tell” she would achieve great success in football. The sports teacher said it was a “surreal” experience watching Toone score the opening goal on Wednesday, but felt her success was expected after demonstrating a strong sporting ability at school. Mr Nuttal, 38, told the PA news agency: “It’s surreal to see Ella play in the World Cup semi-final, but it’s brilliant now (England) have got through to the final. “For myself and the rest of the department, it’s not a surprise for us because the way Ella conducted herself and how passionate she was about football throughout school, you could see how determined she was. “You could tell she was going to go onto great things in terms of her football career.” Mr Nuttall also describes the midfielder, 23, as a “role model” which began at her old high school after she encouraged more girls to pick up sports. He explained: “She was the type of student that was a dream for a PE teacher because she was involved in anything, any sport. “She was a role model in whichever sport that she did. “She was a big starting point and now we run a number of girls’ teams and we have a lot of girls join football teams, and that all started from Ella.” The PE teacher expressed his pride in seeing his former student make herself one of the heroes of the day with a brilliant first-half strike, making Lionesses fans believe they could make their first World Cup final. He said: “You always hope as a PE teacher that one of your students will continue that passion when they leave school. “For somebody to go onto the level that she has, breaking records… it’s unbelievable.” Mr Nuttall hopes that the Lioness will score again in England’s final against Spain on Sunday and expects the team to achieve the same result as the semi-final. He said: “Hopefully, she’ll play some part in that and carry on her goalscoring because she seems to pick up the goals at the most important times. “Hopefully she’ll score another goal (in the final).” You could tell she was going to go onto great things in terms of her football career Chris Nuttall, Ella Toone's former PE teacher Toone’s former teacher is confident the Lionesses, who won the Uefa Women’s Euro in 2022, will take home the World Cup trophy. Mr Nuttall said: “To get through the the World Cup finals is amazing for the country, especially after the Lionesses winning the Euros. “I think they’ll be ready for (the final). Having that experience at the Euros, they know how to prepare now for these types of matches.” He has wished his former student and the rest of the Lionesses “all the luck” ahead of the final. He said: “Good luck to Ella. We’re all really proud as a PE department so we wish her all the luck. “Good luck to the Lionesses – they’ve done the country proud.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Erling Haaland one of three Man City treble winners on shortlist for PFA award Football rumours: Liverpool ramp up bid for Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola sets sights on Club World Cup