List of All Articles with Tag 'football'

Lauren James has been handed a two-game ban by Fifa after being sent off during England’s last-16 win over Nigeria, meaning she will miss both Saturday’s quarter-final with Colombia and the subsequent World Cup semi-final should her teammates progress. James was shown a red card after standing on Nigeria defender Michelle Alozie during the knockout game, which England won via a penalty shootout. The Chelsea forward was given an automatic one-match suspension and feared being ruled out of the tournament altogether, with Fifa typically increasing cases of “violent conduct” to a three-game ban. However, the governing body’s disciplinary committee showed some leniency and James could now return for the World Cup final, should England make it to the showpiece on Sunday 20 August in Sydney. James had apologised for the incident, posting in response to a tweet from Alozie: “All my love and respect to you. I am sorry for what happened. Also, for our England fans and my team-mates, playing with and for you is my greatest honour and I promise to learn from my experience.” James became the fourth England player to be sent off in a World Cup knockout match after David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and current Lionesses captain Millie Bright. England manager Sarina Wiegman admitted James had “lost her emotions” during a moment of indiscretion which could see the 21-year-old miss the remainder of the World Cup through suspension. Alozie had earlier tweeted in defence of James. “Abeg, rest,” she wrote. “We are playing on the world’s stage. This game is one of passion, insurmountable emotions, and moments. All respect for Lauren James.” And speaking on Thursday ahead of England’s quarter-final, teammate Beth England said the players had rallied around James. “Obviously she’s disappointed with what happened on the day,” England said. “It was a split second, emotional moment that happened. We’ve got around her. It is good that she’s acknowledged that and put her apology out ... we just move on from it now.” Read More Bethany England reveals ‘biggest danger’ facing Lionesses against Colombia Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today

Lauren James has been handed a two-match ban following her red card in England’s World Cup win over Nigeria. The Chelsea star was dismissed late in the second half for stamping on Nigeria forward Michelle Alozie following an altercation. FIFA said in a statement: “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed a two-match suspension on England’s player Lauren James following a violation of article 14 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code at the FIFA Women’s World Cup match England v Nigeria. “The suspension will be served for the Women’s World Cup quarter-final and the next international fixture following that.” It means James will be available for the tournament final should England progress that far. James already knew she would miss Saturday’s quarter-final against Colombia following her red card in the game, which England won on penalties. But fears she could be automatically ruled out for the rest of the tournament could prove unfounded if Sarina Wiegman’s side make it all the way to the final. Conceivably James, who apologised in the wake of the incident and has been publicly backed by Wiegman, would be available to return in the prospective August 20 showpiece in Sydney. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

The quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup are set as England continue their preparations for Saturday’s clash with Colombia in Sydney. After a group stage of shocks and surprises, the tournament has reached its business end with several big names still standing. The Lionesses survived a scare to defeat Nigeria on penalties as Sarina Wiegman’s side reached the last eight, but they have now received news that star forward Lauren James is banned for two games after her red card in the last round, when she stamped on Michelle Alozie. The quarter-final action resumes tomorrow with a blockbuster pair of matches. First Spain will play Netherlands in an all-European clash, before Sweden face Japan, who have been the standout team at the World Cup so far. It’s England’s turn on Saturday as they face Colombia, after co-hosts Australia play France on what is set to be an electric night in Brisbane. Follow all the latest news from the Women’s World Cup in our live blog, below: Read More Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today Lauren James banned for two World Cup games by Fifa in blow to England Who and when do England play next? Lionesses route to the World Cup final

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining a serious knee injury. The Belgium international is believed to have suffered the anterior cruciate ligament injury to his left knee in training and will undergo surgery in the coming days. A statement on Real’s official club website read: “Following tests carried out on Thibaut Courtois, the player has been diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. The player will undergo surgery in the coming days.” The 31-year-old has made over 200 appearances for the club since joining from Chelsea in August 2018 and has been a near ever-present in the Spanish capital. Courtois produced a man-of-the-match performance in the 2022 Champions League final when Los Blancos beat Liverpool 1-0 in Paris. Spain international David De Gea, who was previously linked with a big-money move to the Santiago Bernabeu, could be an option for Carlo Ancelotti’s side after his contract at Manchester United expired earlier this summer. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Pep Guardiola feels it is “almost impossible” for Manchester City to repeat last season’s treble-winning heroics. City will begin the 2023-24 campaign as favourites in all competitions but Guardiola is not expecting a repeat of last term, when his side claimed Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup success. “It feels like it finished yesterday but we start again,” said the City manager, whose side travel to Burnley for their Premier League opener on Friday. “I don’t think it will be possible to do what we did last season, it’s once in a lifetime. I said to the players forget about it. “We climbed the highest mountain last season but we have come down that mountain now. We start from the same as everyone else, with the same intention and there will be a lot of difficulties to climb the mountain again. “What we have done remains in our hearts and minds but it’s over. “The history speaks for itself but it is almost impossible to repeat.” Guardiola, speaking at a press conference, was unwilling to comment on speculation linking the club with a move for West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta. He said: “I will not answer about Paqueta. He is a West Ham player.” The City boss also offered no updates on the situation concerning full-back Kyle Walker, who has been linked with Bayern Munich throughout the summer. “We are wishing he stays but there is no news,” Guardiola said. Another player who has been the subject of speculation is youngster Cole Palmer, who scored City’s goal in their Community Shield loss to Arsenal last weekend. The 21-year-old is reportedly the subject of a loan bid from West Ham. Guardiola said: “Cole is with us. Today he is with us. What is going to happen, I don’t know. “I understand completely that he wants to be more active than the previous season, but Riyad (Mahrez) has gone, so we have one more place there. “We will see. I cannot say anything because the last decisions belong to the club. The club have to decide what is best.” Friday’s trip to Turf Moor will see Guardiola come up against his former captain Vincent Kompany, who has guided the Clarets back to the top flight at the first attempt. Guardiola said: “Normally the first games are difficult, especially against newly-promoted teams because they have nothing to lose and the energy, the dream to do a good season. “Apart from that, Vinny knows us well and he is doing an incredible job. “He has changed the way Burnley play completely and they destroyed the Championship. It will be a tough, tough game.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live The key battles that could separate Leigh and Hull KR in the Challenge Cup final I’ll give absolutely everything – Edson Alvarez signs for West Ham from Ajax Zak Hardaker admits repaying Leigh coach for his faith would be ‘pretty special’

West Ham have completed the signing of Mexico international Edson Alvarez from Ajax for an undisclosed fee. The 25-year-old has agreed a contract until June 2028 with the Europa Conference League winners. He strengthens the Hammers’ midfield options following the sale of former captain Declan Rice to Arsenal. West Ham manager David Moyes told the club website: “The midfield area was one we were especially keen to strengthen this summer – and Edson will complement the other options we have in that department. “He’s an experienced international player, who has enjoyed great success for both club and country during his career to date.” Alvarez, who began his career with Mexico City-based Club America, moves to the Premier League after clinching two Eredivisie titles during his four-season stay with Ajax. He has been capped 69 times by his country, winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2019 and 2023, in addition to travelling to the World Cup in 2018 and 2022. “It’s a hugely sentimental moment for me in my career,” he said. “To join a club like a West Ham is a dream for me and my family. “The Premier League is a special league, the best league in the world, and I think my style will suit it. “I now have a responsibility to West Ham and the West Ham family and I will give absolutely everything for the shirt.” West Ham, who will play in the Europa League this term, begin the new season at Bournemouth on Saturday. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Premier League referees’ chief Howard Webb says the change in approach on added time is here to stay, despite early criticism from top-flight players and managers. Referees in competitions worldwide have been instructed by the game’s lawmakers to measure time lost to stoppages more accurately, an approach first adopted at the World Cup in Qatar last year where an additional 11 minutes and six seconds were played on average in the group stage. Webb said the change was necessary as football gets to grips with the “dark arts” of time-wasting, with a a more robust approach set to be taken to dealing with players who delay restarts in play. Sunday’s Community Shield lasted over 105 minutes, with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola saying the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which sets the game’s laws, had not consulted with managers and players over the change in approach. Manchester United defender Raphael Varane echoed those criticisms on Monday, saying the change, allied to a congested calendar, was “damaging” to the game. Whereas ‘rule of thumb’ approaches had been used in the Premier League for certain stoppages last season – 30 seconds per goal celebration and substitution for example – referees and their wider team will now be asked to be more exact. The Premier League anticipates the change in approach will increase the length of the average match in the coming season by three minutes and 23 seconds compared to last season – going up to 101 minutes and 49 seconds. Webb, the chief refereeing officer at Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), said: “As far as I’m aware and concerned (the change in approach on added time) is here to stay. “I appreciate we’re hearing two sides of a coin here, but there was also a lot of noise around the need to do something around increasing effective playing time and getting more game for people who are paying good money to go and watch football. “IFAB have acted undoubtedly with good intentions to try to deal with this. Last season a quarter of the games in the Premier League went above 100 minutes. I am expecting it to settle down. “For sure there’s more dark arts in the game than previously. Everybody tells me that, and I see that myself as well. One of the things that will hurt us here is if we’re not consistent with this in the way that we play it. We have to be. It can’t be a flash in the pan. It can’t be a short-term campaign.” In response to Guardiola’s assertion around a lack of consultation, Webb said: “Certain things change each year in terms of the laws of the game. IFAB is the organisation that ratifies changes. “There is a consultation process that goes into that. There is a way people can feed into the process. For sure there's more dark arts to use in the game than previously. Everybody tells me that, and I see that myself as well. One of the things that will hurt us here is if we’re not consistent with this in the way that we play it. Howard Webb “Obviously, when something is ratified at (IFAB’s) AGM, it comes our way to deliver. By the end of this week I will have done at least 17 pre-season briefings, so people are aware what is coming. I am really keen to keep engaging, consulting and getting feedback and embracing the feedback and comparing it against other feedback we get. “We have to find where the benefit is with any changes we want to apply. Is it frustrating? No. I know consultation does exist from our side, that is what we can control and we will keep engaging.” The other major initiative from a refereeing perspective is a clampdown on poor behaviour from players and managers as part of a wider move to improve conduct, including among fans. Webb said: “For too long our officials have not necessarily been able to make that differentiation (between passion and unacceptable behaviour) or have chosen for whatever reason to turn a blind eye or a deaf ear to certain things. “But the power of example is so strong and we are seeing a lot of examples (of bad behaviour) and all the numbers are tracking in the wrong direction around what’s happening in the game in this area. “We’re seeing grassroots officials have a bad experience too often and this has got to change in our sport and we’re determined collectively within the game to do this.” Webb also confirmed audio from VAR decisions – including some clips where errors were made – would be aired on a monthly basis. It follows on from Webb appearing on Monday Night Football towards the end of last season to talk through some incidents from earlier in the season in a bid to provide greater transparency around VAR. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Zak Hardaker admits repaying Leigh coach for his faith would be ‘pretty special’ Billy Vunipola recalled in strong England XV for Wales clash Scotland boss ‘confident’ Ben White will make World Cup despite injury setback

Sydney Sweeney will play Spider-Woman, Michael Lorenzen threw a no-hitter, Henry Ruggs III sentenced for fatal DUI crash and more in the Roundup.

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Bayern Munich have reached an agreement with Tottenham over a £95million deal to sign Harry Kane, according to reports. The clubs are reported to have settled in principle on terms for the England captain to move to Germany after a series of bids earlier in the summer were rejected, according to reports citing sources in Germany. Tottenham are not commenting on the latest reports emerging from Germany. An agreement between the clubs would leave it up to 30-year-old Kane to decide whether he wishes to stay at Spurs or accept the Bundesliga champions’ offer. Kane is about to enter the final year of his Tottenham contract meaning he would be free to leave for nothing in 12 months’ time, and could begin negotiating with other clubs as early as January. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

England striker Bethany England warned it would be more dangerous to underestimate Colombia than worry about their “physical” approach ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final clash at the Women’s World Cup. Colombia played a part in the biggest shock of the tournament so far in beating Germany as the two-time champions crashed out of the World Cup in the group stages, but the South American side have also earned a reputation for their robust style. A pre-World Cup friendly against Ireland was abandoned when it became ‘overly physical’ - while Germany complained about the rough treatment they received in the 2-1 defeat. It’s been a World Cup of surprises so far and the Lionesses survived a major scare against Nigeria in the last-16 as they advanced on penalties, after playing extra time with 10 players following Lauren James’ red card. And the Tottenham striker said Sarina Wiegman’s side are more concerned about not taking Colombia lightly, while insisting they can also match their fight if the quarter-final does turn physical. “Ultimately, I just think it’s a case of the biggest danger is just not to underestimate them,” England said. “They beat Germany, who are one of the biggest teams in this tournament, so I think we just have to make sure we approach it in a good manner. “Knowing that they can be physical, we can also be physical and match that. And I think it’s just going to be important that we don’t get too into more of a fight than actually playing football, because that’s what we’re here to do. “We’re here to play the game that we love and hopefully do it in a good, stylish way as well.” The Lionesses will be without star forward James for Saturday’s quarter-final in Sydney after 21-year-old was sent off for stamping on Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie in the last-16 clash, with a Fifa disciplinary panel set to meet to decide whether her one-match suspension will be extended. However, a decision is not expected to be made until after England’s quarter-final. James has since apologised to Alozie and her team-mates and England said the forward was “doing good” as she awaits news of the ban. “Obviously she was disappointed with what happened on the day,” England said. “It was a split-second emotional moment that happened. We got round her. It’s got she acknowledged that and put her apology out. Now we just wait to see what Fifa do and move on from it. Obviously I can imagine it’s a very difficult position for her to be in but whether they do it on the same day or not it’s not going to affect us in a way that we’re not defined by one player. “It’s important everyone is there for her and as a team. Whatever decision they make we have to unfortunately accept it and get on with the game. There’s more important things than focusing on one player.” England came off the bench to help the Lionesses through extra time against Nigeria and is playing a bigger role for Sarina Wiegman’s side at the World Cup, after not playing a single minute of their Euros campaign last summer. With the Lionesses struggling for goals - Wiegman’s side have only scored two goals in the three games other than the 6-1 win over China - the Tottenham striker could offer a solution, after arriving at the World Cup having scored 11 in 11 games in the Women’s Super League. “Ultimately Sarina is the boss,” England said. “I am here to be a part of the team that is, whether it is starting or as a sub. I love playing football, I want to play as much football as I can at this tournament. “So ultimately if I get the minutes I will try and do everything I can when I am on the pitch, and even if I don’t [get on the pitch], I will be there to be the No1 fan for the girls that are on the pitch.” Read More Women’s World Cup LIVE: Latest news as England await Lauren James decision ahead of Colombia quarter-final Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today ‘We are not happy’ – Lucy Bronze insists England will improve against Colombia

Tottenham Hotspur have accepted Bayern Munich's improved offer for Harry Kane, now leaving it down to the player to finally decide if he wants to go through with the move. Although the personal details of the move are agreed, the 30-year-old had been leaning towards staying in the last week, as it is also felt his greatest ambition is to join Manchester United. The Old Trafford hierarchy have not been willing to get into discussions with Daniel Levy, though, which has left Bayern free to engage in drawn-out negotiations that have finally conclusion – at least at one stage. It is understood that Spurs will receive over £80m up front, with the totals of the deal taking it beyond £110m in achievable clauses. Levy was unmoving in that stance from the start. The Kane camp had given Bayern every indication over the summer that they were prepared to move, although that now creates a last dramatic tension as the player decides whether he actually wants to leave the Premier League. Kane has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Spurs but ignored the ongoing noise around his future to score four goals in a 5-1 friendly win over Shakhtar Donetsk last Sunday. Dejan Kulusevski set up Kane’s hat-trick strike and subsequently hailed the professionalism of his team-mate. “He scored four goals, so very good,” Kulusevski exclaimed. “Nah, he’s unbelievable. Honestly, his mentality, I can learn from him like everybody. He just goes out and performs day in day out. “He’s a true professional. I’m happy I helped him score today but of course we want him to stay and we’ll do everything to make him stay.” Read More Premier League LIVE: Harry Kane fee agreed with Bayern Munich plus latest team news Ange Postecoglou has a rebuild mandate – but Spurs’ Harry Kane tactics are only harming themselves Harry Kane sets final deadline on transfer away from Tottenham