List of All Articles with Tag 'football'

Lauren Hemp didn’t need to look; she already had the picture in her head. After 86 minutes of being everywhere for England, Hemp found another burst to turn away from Katrina Gorry and ease into the space, gliding to the left to create room on the right. As Australia backed off, Hemp opened up the angle and reversed the ball back to Alessia Russo – her target all along. Then came the finish, low, controlled, a clinical way to round off a ruthless performance on a gutsy night. Cool, calm and collected, it booked England’s place in the World Cup final and summed up how they beat Australia. “Incredible finish, incredible pass,” Sarina Wiegman said. For the second match in a row, her front two were both on the scoresheet, Hemp and Russo on target in the semi-finals, just as they were in the quarter-finals, just as Wiegman had planned. Except, of course, that no one would have planned for this, in a tournament where rarely anything has gone to script for England and they have been forced to adapt. The Lionesses came into the World Cup with seven forwards and they will likely start Sunday’s final with only two in attacking positions; Hemp and Russo stand as their unlikely combination. But it is a partnership that is a game away from winning the World Cup, and who have come to represent the qualities of this England team: one that battles and digs in from the front, but that has the quality to deliver when it counts. Hemp has gone from England’s dynamic winger to a roaming threat in a team that doesn’t play with wide forwards, and who instead offers so much more, covering the work of two positions. “She is just a nuisance,” said Ella Toone. “A nightmare to play against.” Hemp saved her best performance of the World Cup for the semi-finals and led the way to show what England needed as they faced the hosts and an entire nation in Sydney, on what was their biggest night in a generation. “I feel really fearless at the moment,” the 23-year-old said. “I’ve taken up a new role, I guess, in the team, running in behind players and getting the ball, creating something. I feel like I’m playing some of my best football.” Hemp has always been an attacker who has played with a mental picture of what is around her and an understanding of where defenders are. Hemp has always had the pace to hurt teams, the acceleration to just glide away, but Wiegman’s decision to bring the Man City forward inside the touchlines has made her threat more consistent. Unlike the Euros last summer, teams are not able to double-mark her. It has also brought her closer to Russo, who started the tournament isolated, a target for crosses swung into the box but who really just wanted to be involved and have the play near her. “They are complimentary in their qualities,” Wiegman said. With Hemp alongside her, Russo has found her position and her confidence, growing into the tournament like England as they have reached the final. The Lionesses, though, are faced with a decision ahead of Spain on Sunday. England’s deadly duo used to be part of their new-look attacking trio, one that could now be reunited against in the World Cup final. Lauren James will be available after serving her two-match suspension for stamping on Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie in the last-16. If that was a moment that threatened not only her, but England’s participation in the tournament, then the fact that James is free to play against Spain is thanks to the spirit and resilience of her teammates, as well as the discretion of Fifa’s disciplinary panel. The Lionesses overcame not only the immense challenge of getting through Nigeria with 10 players but the battles against Colombia and Australia. Nothing has come easy for England at the World Cup and James, through a moment of madness in which she did apologise for, made it harder. James remains a tempting option, however. She is England’s greatest talent, a player who lit up the group stages with her two-goal, three-assist display against China, shining in a system that was designed and revolved around her in the No 10 position. Wiegman, though, has since been made to adapt, and the attacking triangle of James, Hemp and Russo has shifted to the midfield trio of Ella Toone, Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway. Against Spain, the fixture in world football where individual battles in midfield are the most important, Wiegman is unlikely to move away from the formula that is working for this England team. Nor should she. After a difficult tournament, Toone had her moment against Australia, scoring another big-game goal for the Lionesses. It would be extremely harsh to drop her now, while having James as an impact substitute alongside Chloe Kelly is an excellent option for Wiegman to have. So too, suddenly, is the front two. “This team has ruthlessness,” Wiegman said, and it’s a spirit led from the front. Read More England finally reach the world’s greatest stage — and that is worth celebrating How England deployed dark arts and cool heads to silence Australian noise With one sublime pass, the Lionesses have unlocked the door to football Narnia

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.

Britney Spears and Sam Asghari are divorcing, Vlatko Andonovski resigned, latest college football power rankings and more in the Roundup.

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

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

Mikel Arteta has not ruled out returning to the transfer market as he expects Arsenal to be without Jurrien Timber for the season after the summer signing suffered a knee injury against Nottingham Forest. It was confirmed earlier in the week that Dutch defender Timber will go under the knife after tests showed ligament damage – with Arteta also insisting the number of serious injuries suffered so early into the campaign is a “big worry” for player welfare. Timber limped out of Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League win over Forest on Saturday, with the club confirming on Wednesday he suffered ligament damage. The PA news agency understands Timber felt no immediate pain after a challenge with Brennan Johnson just before half-time and underwent stringent tests during the interval. Club medical staff believe the outcome of the injury would not have changed had he been substituted immediately instead of playing on for five minutes of the second half before being replaced by Takehiro Tomiyasu. Asked about Timber’s situation, Arteta said: “Huge blow. Especially for him after just joining the club. To have the injury he has is a huge blow. “It is for the team because we recruited him with clear intentions and what he was bringing to the team was evident and he’s not going to be able to do it this season for us. We have to adapt. These things happen unfortunately and we have to move on. “He’s been very good to be honest. He’s a special character. He knows, he’s starting to realise the extent of the injury and the amount of time he’s going to be out. But he’s in a good place. We are willing to help him obviously and be close to him, but we know it’s going to be a long journey.” Kieran Tierney appeared set to depart the Emirates Stadium this season but, with Timber now sidelined and Oleksandr Zinchenko struggling for fitness, the Scotland left-back could now be retained. Arteta, too, suggested Arsenal could dip their toe back into the market following the injury setback. “We didn’t plan with this injury. We have to assess what the options are, what are the best players that we have because, as I said, my challenge is to get the best from the players that we have. I cannot assess anyone who is not here. It is too much for the players Mikel Arteta on player welfare “We are always open and we have to be open as well to react if something happens, not only with an injury but if something happens in the market as well. That’s what we’re doing.” Timber was not the only player to suffer serious injury in the opening weeks of the new season, with Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne and Tyrone Mings of Aston Villa also forced off. Arteta also highlighted a number of other injury issues when asked if the problems could link back to the amount of football that players are being asked to complete. “Also Emi Buendia, (Thibaut) Courtois, it happened to (Eder) Militao as well – there is something there,” he added. “In the past you can say: ‘yes there have been games, there have been tours as well’. But with games, tours, the World Cup in January, plus this, plus that, plus internationals. It is a lot. It is too much for the players. “It is incredibly demanding, when you see the next 36 months of the calender for these players it is just better not to look at it because it is incredible what they are going to be doing. “We have to look after them but, as a club, when do you look after them? To prioritise other competitions? Then we are the ones that have to look after them – what we really need is to be sitting down (discussing plans), but I think it is too late, at least for the next 36 months it is too late already. “I don’t know who needs to raise a voice here, but there are worries, big worries on that.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 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 Erling Haaland one of three Man City treble winners on shortlist for PFA award

Erling Haaland is one of three members of Manchester City’s treble-winning team to be nominated for the Professional Footballers’ Association Players’ Player of the Year award. The 23-year-old Norway striker was a sensation in his debut season in English football, scoring 52 goals in all competitions as Pep Guardiola’s side won the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. Haaland is joined on the six-man shortlist by Belgium playmaker Kevin De Bruyne and England international John Stones. The Barnsley-born player, 29, was a revelation as Guardiola pushed him up from defence into midfield last season. Arsenal were City’s closest challengers in the Premier League last term and two of their star performers, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, are also on the list. England winger Saka enjoyed his finest season to date, scoring 14 goals for the Gunners and contributing 11 assists. Norway international Odegaard led by example as Arsenal captain and hit 15 goals and added seven assists. The only player on the list from outside the Premier League’s top two in 2022-23 was Harry Kane. The England captain, who has since completed a summer move to German champions Bayern Munich, hit 30 top-flight goals last season for Tottenham, second only to Haaland’s tally of 36.

What the papers say Liverpool are ramping up their bid for 23-year-old midfielder Cheick Doucoure after missing out of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea this summer, the Independent reports. The price to lure the Crystal Palace star to Anfield is reported to be around £60million, but the Eagles could be hesitant to sell Doucoure after already losing a number of players this summer. The Daily Mail says Liverpool are also interested in Netherlands international midfielder Ryan Gravenberch. The 21-year-old at Bayern Munich is reportedly open to leaving the club due to a lack of playing time. Newcastle United are set to pay £30million for 18-year-old full-back Lewis Hall after Chelsea put him up for sale, according to the Telegraph. West Ham are hoping to use some of the money gained from the monster Declan Rice sale to sign a flurry of players. The Guardian says Montpellier striker Elye Wahi, Stuttgart defender Konstantinos Mavropanos and Bayer Leverkusen defender Odilon Kossounou are all on the club’s watchlist. Social media round-up Players to watch Jesse Lingard: West Ham are scoping out the 30-year-old midfielder who is now a free agent after his contract expired with Nottingham Forest, Football Daily said. Aleksandar Mitrovic: The Guardian says the Fulham and Serbian striker is looking like the next Premier League player to head to the Saudi Pro League. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

England are through to the Women’s World Cup final for the first time after a stunning 3-1 win over Australia in Sydney set up an all-European title decider against Spain on Sunday. The Lionesses broke the hearts of the home nation as goals from Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo sealed a historic victory, after Sam Kerr sent the got the Matildas and capacity crowd of 75,784 rocking with a stunning individual goal. England manager Sarina Wiegman said she was “in a fairytale” after guiding England to the final for the first time, while defender Lucy Bronze was overcome with emotion after playing in two previous semi-final defeats in 2015 and 2019. The Lionesses will play Spain on Sunday in England’s first World Cup final since 1966 and the nation is set to come to a halt as England look to bring the game’s biggest prize back home. Follow all the reaction to England’s win against Australia in the semi-finals and get all the latest Women’s World Cup odds here: Read More Sensational England capitalise on Sam Kerr’s missed moment to make World Cup history How England deployed dark arts and cool heads to silence Australian noise Will Lauren James play in the Women’s World Cup final?

Bo Nix's Heisman campaign just got elevated to new heights as the Oregon quarterback was gifted his own billboard in NYC.History is repeating itself for the Oregon Ducks, though hopefully, the school will get a happier ending this time around.Oregon quarterback Bo Nix is getting his ver...