List of All Articles with Tag 'football'

The England women’s team took the decision to pause controversial negotiations over World Cup bonuses in order to show it was “on their terms”, but also make clear their anger and disappointment with the Football Association over an issue that could have developed into a huge distraction on the eve of the tournament. There is similarly a determination the issue isn’t parked once the competition ends, and that the federation have got the message over how payment structures need to be clarified going forward. There has still been some debate over the merits of the strategy, particularly as the FA had already been insistent that all discussions be delayed until after the campaign. While that could be seen as bending to what the association want, there is also the risk now that the England squad lose their leverage in the event of going out of the competition unexpectedly early. The dispute most directly comes from the players’ feeling that the FA should top up the guaranteed Fifa prize money with performance-related bonuses, in the same way that similar elite sides like Australia and USA do. The wider context is nevertheless a frustration that the squad went through the same issues over Euro 2022, and that has only belatedly been resolved, rather than immediately after the competition in the way that had been promised then. That is why there has been scepticism throughout these negotiations. The players ultimately feel there has not been sufficient clarity or transparency through any of the process. That is the major point of contention for the players, and feeds into why the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) has been pushing for a collective bargaining agreement, in the same way that American and Australian players have. For its part, the FA has argued that the full budget for an expensive trip will not be known until afterwards, while there has been some concern that this is being pushed by agents and the PFA, who are representing the players in this. A different position has also been that not all the discussions should become about prize money, since this is supposed to be about the “holistic” growth of the women’s game, too. That is also why the players took the unprecedented decision to release a statement on the eve of a World Cup, however, in order to show they have been pushing it and they are “disappointed” with the association and make a stand that women’s teams shouldn’t constantly have to battle for everything. “Last year we presented the FA with concerns relating to our bonus and commercial structures,” a statement read by the entire squad read. “The hope was that discussions would lead to a solution before the commencement of our World Cup. “We are disappointed that a resolution has still not been achieved. We view the successful conclusions of these discussions, through player input and a transparent long term plan, as key for the growth of Women’s Football in England. With our opening game on the horizon, we Lionesses have decided to pause discussions, with full intentions of revisiting them following the tournament. “We collectively feel a strong sense of responsibility to grow the game. And while our focus now switches fully to the tournament ahead, we believe every tackle, pass, and goal, will contribute to the work we are committed to doing off the pitch. We look forward to playing for our country this World Cup, with pride, passion, and perseverance. Thank you for your support, Your Lionesses.” That move has at least staved off the possibility of a damaging “civil war” that could negatively affect what can be a historic competition for the England team, although some in the game have questioned why they didn’t fully use their considerable leverage. This is also the matter of some debate, however. While the presumption would be that national heroes and European champions would enjoy public support against a bureaucratic federation, online discussion has so far been mixed, with a lot of discussion about the women’s game potentially going the same financially driven way as the men. The players have naturally been intent on completely ignoring this, of course, and the main concern is now ensuring they maximise an opportunity to make history in Australia and New Zealand. The feeling is that they have asserted themselves by parking this on their terms, and also making it publicly clear how aggravated they are by the FA’s stance. It is an issue that will now be put off until the World Cup campaign ends – although it could well be dictated by how the tournament pans out. Read More FIFA Women’s World Cup start date, fixtures and full schedule World Cup 2023 fixtures from England vs Haiti to route to the final FIFA Women’s World Cup start date, fixtures and full schedule Can France handle injuries after overcoming Women’s World Cup crisis?

Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana is set to join Manchester United after a deal was struck with both player and club, the PA news agency understands. The 27-year-old will replace David De Gea as first choice between the posts for United boss Erik ten Hag, who previously worked with Onana at Ajax. Here, the PA news agency asks why Onana is the man selected to take the gloves at Old Trafford. Why does Ten Hag like Onana? Since being appointed as United boss last summer, Ten Hag has been keen to instil in his team a structure of playing out from the back. That means he wants his goalkeeper and defenders to be comfortable in possession, happy to have the ball at their feet and build attacks themselves. De Gea, for all of the shot-stopping prowess that brought two Premier League Golden Gloves his way, was never a goalkeeper who seemed pleased to be given such a role. Onana is different and revels in the role and proved it in Inter’s Champions League final run last season. He is already accustomed to Ten Hag’s approach and it will be hoped he can settle straight into the United system without much need for adaptation, his abilities also bringing a calming influence to a backline that wilted under the pressures that comes with Ten Hag’s preferred method of play. Where have I heard of Onana before? Two years ago Onana was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, with Arsenal among the reported suitors. Those links materialised at a time when Onana was serving a ban for violating UEFA’s doping rules – his initial one-year suspension reduced to nine months on appeal. Having tested positive for the diuretic drug Furosemide, Onana claimed to have taken his wife’s medication by mistake. His ban began in February 2021 and featured for Ajax just six times the following season before leaving for Inter when his contract expired. What is his international pedigree? Well, there is more drama there, too. Born in Nkol Ngok, just south of Cameroon’s capital Yaounde, Onana played for the youth teams of his home country. He was handed his senior international debut in September 2016, just months after being given his Ajax bow, and went on to make 34 appearances. The last of those – to date – came in Cameroon’s opening game of the 2022 World Cup, a 1-0 defeat to Switzerland. He was then dropped by manager Rigobert Song and left the Indomitable Lions camp following an alleged bust-up with the head coach over his tactics. Onana soon announced his retirement from international football and, so far, has not made a return to the Cameroon set-up. So what will he bring to the Red Devils? Having worked together in Amsterdam, Ten Hag will no doubt believe he can get the best out of Onana at United. With a goalkeeper to play the way Ten Hag wants to approach the game, it should spread confidence in a squad which looked short of it at times last season. Onana also has plenty of silverware in his cabinet, winning the Eredivisie three times with Ajax, also claiming the KNVB Cup twice and picking up a runners-up medal following defeat in the 2017 Europa League final against United. He went on to win the 2023 Coppa Italia with Inter, where he once again came up on the losing side of a major European final after the 1-0 loss to City in June. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Former Manchester United winger and Wales manager Ryan Giggs is “relieved” at being cleared of domestic violence allegations made by his ex-girlfriend after charges were dropped. Kate Greville told police and lawyers she did not want to go through the ordeal of a second trial after jurors failed to reach verdicts in the high-profile first trial last year, Manchester Crown Court heard. Giggs, 49, was not in court on Tuesday as lawyers said there was no longer any realistic prospect of conviction and it was not in the public interest for Giggs to go on trial for a second time over allegations made by Greville and her sister Emma. Peter Wright KC, prosecuting, offered no evidence against Giggs at the 20-minute hearing as the allegations were formally dropped. Judge Hilary Manley entered “not guilty” verdicts on the charges of coercive and controlling behaviour and assault against Kate Greville and common assault of her sister. Giggs had been accused of controlling behaviour over a three-year period involving Greville. He was also accused of assault by “losing control” and headbutting Kate Greville and the common assault of Emma Greville by elbowing her in the jaw, during a row at his home in Worsley, Greater Manchester, on November 1 2020. Giggs denied the offences and underwent a month-long trial, ending last August when the jury failed to reach any verdicts, and a retrial was scheduled to begin on July 31. But on Tuesday, prosecutor Peter Wright KC told Manchester Crown Court that the case had been considered at the highest levels at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and a decision had been made not to proceed with a second trial. Wright said Giggs’ ex-girlfriend Greville had “indicated an unwillingness” to give evidence in a retrial as giving evidence in the first trial had “taken its toll” on her and her sister Emma. Wright said: “This is not a decision taken lightly.” Chris Daw KC, defending Giggs, said: “Mr Giggs is deeply relieved the prosecution has finally come to an end after almost three years in which he’s been fighting throughout to clear his name. “He has always been innocent of these charges – there’s been very, very many lies told about him in court.” At a series of hearings earlier this year, the court was told of difficulties the prosecution had faced in proceeding with the retrial. These included Kate Greville’s reluctance to now go through with a second trial. Earlier this month, Wright, at a court hearing which could not be reported at the time, said: “What she (Greville) has indicated is a wish not to give evidence by reason of her own mental and physical wellbeing, so seriously affected by the process. “You may recollect at the previous trial for example she gave evidence over a considerable period of time, cross-examined for what was three days, and during the course of that process she was both visibly distressed, weary, and expressed the view that she had felt violated by the defendant’s conduct and in giving evidence while maintaining her account, demonstrating a growing frustration in terms of the process. “I make the observation, a general observation, ambivalence on the part of complainants in these circumstances is not an unknown phenomenon to the courts.” Judge Manley told the prosecutor the question of whether Greville was willing to co-operate or not had to be decided. She added: “The position can’t continue indefinitely.” Wright said: “This is a matter that’s been considered at a senior level both regionally and nationally within the CPS, notwithstanding any objective assessment of the seriousness of the allegations. “What is underlying this is the further general principal consideration of the prosecution of the alleged abusive men so far as coercive and controlling behaviour is considered, the wearing down of complainants, is not to be interpreted by the public and by men as a passport to an acquittal – is that underlying question of considerable public interest that we are continuing with.” But Daw, defending Giggs, told the hearing: “As it stands, the prosecution has no case. “The position we submit is: what matters is the interests of justice. “What we have here is an attempt to cobble together a case built on hearsay and an unwilling witness almost three years after the event. “This is not about the public interest.” A spokeswoman for the CPS said: “At all stages we keep cases under careful review, to ensure our legal test is met. This means there must be a realistic prospect of conviction based upon the available evidence and a prosecution is in the public interest. “We have determined there is no longer sufficient evidence available to proceed in respect of the controlling or coercive behaviour charge and that it is no longer in the public interest to prosecute the remaining assault charges. “This decision was made following detailed discussions with Greater Manchester Police and consultation with the complainants. At no stage has she indicated that the account she gave either in her witness statement, ABE interview (achieving best evidence, the police interview during criminal investigation) or at trial, was untrue Peter Wright KC, prosecuting “It is not the function of the CPS to decide whether a person is guilty of a criminal offence, but to make fair, independent and objective assessments about whether it is appropriate to present charges for the criminal court to consider.” During Giggs’ time at Old Trafford, Manchester United won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, four FA Cups and three League Cups. Giggs stood down as Wales manager following a period of leave since November 2020. He won 64 caps for Wales and is co-owner of Sky Bet League Two side Salford. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Manchester United agree deal with Inter Milan for goalkeeper Andre Onana Can England beat the weather to level Ashes series? Fourth Test talking points England may need weather check and bolder approach in fourth Test – Ben Stokes

Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana is set to join Manchester United after a deal was struck with both player and club, the PA news agency understands. The 27-year-old shot-stopper has been top of Erik ten Hag’s wish list this summer as United replace long-serving David De Gea. United have now reached an agreement with Serie A side Inter to sign Onana for an initial 51m euros (£43.8m) with a potential further 4m euros (£3.4m) in add-ons. Personal terms are also understood to have been agreed with the goalkeeper, who is set to sign a five-year deal with the option of a further season. A medical is imminent but it remains to be seen whether the respective paperwork will be completed in time for Onana to be on Wednesday’s flight to the United States for their pre-season tour. The Cameroon international will become United’s second signing of the summer after bringing in Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount earlier in the month for an initial £55m. The goalkeeper should slot seamlessly into Ten Hag’s system thanks to his ability and confidence on the ball, which he used to great effect at Inter and prior to that under the Dutchman at Ajax. A new goalkeeper had not initially been a key priority for the United boss this summer, but towards the end of the campaign it was decided to pursue a new number one. Onana is now set to succeed De Gea after his recent departure on a free transfer, while speculation continues over the future of Dean Henderson and Tom Heaton. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

England enter the World Cup as one of the favourites as the Lionesses look to build on their victory at the European Championships last summer by winning the game’s biggest prize. England have reached the semi-finals on their last two World Cup appearances in 2015 and 2019 and will be dreaming of going one step further in Australia and New Zealand. The Lionesses are unbeaten under Sarina Wiegman and gained valuable experience of winning a major title after their historic victory on home soil at the Euros. The United States are looking to win their third consecutive World Cup but England arrive at this summer’s tournament as the main contenders to their crown. Here’s everything you need to know. Who are England playing at the World Cup? The Lionesses were among the top seeds ahead of the World Cup draw and were placed in Group D, along with China, Denmark, as well as one of the winners of the inter-confederation play-offs. That was where Haiti defeated Senegal and then Chile to qualify for the World Cup for the first time and complete the four-team group. China, ranked 15th in the world, were among the lowest ranked teams in Pot 2 while Denmark, ranked 18th, were the top team in Pot 3. Haiti are ranked 57th in the world, the second lowest at the tournament. When are England’s group matches? (All kick-off times BST) 22 July - England vs Haiti (10:30, Brisbane) 28 July - England vs Denmark (09:30, Sydney) 1 August - China vs England (12:00, Adelaide) What is England’s potential path to the final? If England win Group D 7 August: Winners Group D vs Runners-up Group B (08:30, Brisbane) 12 August: Winner Match 54 vs Winner Match 56 (11:30, Sydney) 16 August: Winner QF3 vs Winner QF4 (11:00, Sydney) 20 August: Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2 (11:00, Sydney) If England are runner-up in Group D 7 August: Runners-up Group B vs Runners-up Group D (11:30, Sydney) 12 August: Winner Match 53 vs Winner Match 55 (08:00, Brisbane) 16 August: Winner QF3 vs Winner QF4 (11:00, Sydney) 20 August: Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2 (11:00, Sydney) What about the rest of the groups? Group A: New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Switzerland Group B: Australia, Republic of Ireland, Nigeria, Canada Group C: Spain, Costa Rica, Zambia, Japan Group D: England, Haiti, Denmark, China Group E: United States, Vietnam, Netherlands, Portugal Group F: France, Jamaica, Brazil, Panama Group G: Sweden, South Africa, Italy, Argentina Group H: Germany, Morocco, Colombia, South Korea Full World Cup match schedule (All kick-off times BST ) Group stage: Thursday 20 July Group A: New Zealand vs Norway (08:00, Auckland) Group B: Australia vs Republic of Ireland (11:00, Sydney) Friday 21 July Group B: Nigeria vs Canada (03:30, Melbourne) Group A: Philippines vs Switzerland (06:00, Dunedin) Group C: Spain vs Costa Rica (08:30, Wellington) Saturday 22 July Group E: USA vs Vietnam (02:00, Auckland) Group C: Zambia vs Japan (08:00 Hamilton) Group D: England vs Haiti (10:30, Brisbane) Group D: Denmark vs China (13:00, Perth) Sunday 23 July Group G: Sweden vs South Africa (06:00, Wellington) Group E: Netherlands vs Portugal (08:30, Dunedin) Group F: France vs Jamaica (11:00, Sydney) Monday 24 July Group G: Italy vs Argentina (07:00, Auckland) Group H: Germany vs Morocco (09:30, Melbourne) Group F: Brazil vs Panama (12:00, Adelaide) Tuesday 25 July Group H: Colombia vs Korea Republic (03:00, Sydney) Group A: New Zealand vs Philippines (06:30, Dunedin) Group A: Switzerland vs Norway (09:00, Hamilton) Wednesday 26 July Group C: Japan vs Costa Rica (06:00, Dunedin) Group C: Spain vs Zambia (08:30, Auckland) Group B: Canada vs Republic of Ireland (13:00, Perth) Thursday 27 July Group E: USA vs Netherlands (02:00, Wellington) Group E: Portugal vs Vietnam (08:30, Hamilton) Group B: Australia vs Nigeria (11:00, Brisbane) Friday 28 July Group G: Argentina vs South Africa (01:00, Dunedin) Group D: England vs Denmark (09:30, Sydney) Group D: China vs Haiti (12:00, Adelaide) Saturday 29 July Group G: Sweden vs Italy (08:30, Wellington) Group F: France vs Brazil (11:00, Brisbane) Group F: Panama vs Jamaica (13:30, Perth) Sunday 30 July Group H: Korea Republic vs Morocco (05:30, Adelaide) Group A: Norway vs Philippines (08:00, Auckland) Group A: Switzerland vs New Zealand (08:00, Dunedin) Group H: Germany vs Colombia (10:30, Sydney) Monday 31 July Group C: Costa Rica vs Zambia (08:00, Hamilton) Group C: Japan vs Spain (08:00, Wellington) Group B: Ireland vs Nigeria (11:00, Brisbane) Group B: Canada vs Australia (11:00, Melbourne) Tuesday 1 August Group E: Vietnam vs Netherlands (08:00, Dunedin) Group E: Portugal vs USA (08:00, Auckland) Group D: Haiti vs Denmark (12:00, Perth) Group D: China vs England (12:00, Adelaide) Wednesday 2 August Group G: South Africa vs Italy (08:00, Wellington) Group G: Argentina vs Sweden (08:00, Hamilton) Group F: Jamaica vs Brazil (11:00, Melbourne) Group F: Panama vs France (11:00, Sydney) Thursday 3 August Group H: Korea Republic vs Germany (11:00, Brisbane) Group H: Morocco vs Colombia (11:00, Perth) Knockout stages Saturday 5 August Match 49: Winners Group A vs Runners-up Group C (06:00, Auckland) Match 50: Winners Group C vs Runners-up A (09:00, Wellington) Sunday 6 August Match 51: Winners Group E vs Runners-up Group G (03:00, Sydney) Match 52: Winners Group G vs Runners-up Group E (10:00, Melbourne) Monday 7 August Match 54: Winners Group D vs Runners-up Group B (08:30, Brisbane) Match 53: Runners-up Group B vs Runners-up Group D (11:30, Sydney) Tuesday 8 August Match 56: Winners Group H vs Runners-up Group F (09:00, Melbourne) Match 55: Winners Group F vs Runners-up Group H (12:00, Adelaide) Friday 11 August QF1: Winner Match 49 vs Winner Match 51 (02:00, Wellington) QF2: Winner Match 50 vs Winner Match 52 (08:30, Auckland) Saturday 12 August QF3: Winner Match 53 vs Winner Match 55 (08:00, Brisbane) QF4: Winner Match 54 vs Winner Match 56 (11:30, Sydney) Tuesday 15 August SF1: Winner QF1 vs Winner QF 2 (09:00, Auckland) Wednesday 16 August SF2: Winner QF3 vs Winner QF4 (11:00, Sydney) Saturday 19 August 3rd place play-off: Loser SF1 vs Loser SF2 (09:00, Brisbane) Sunday 20 August Final: Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2 (11:00, Sydney) Match venues Australia Sydney (Stadium Australia, 83,500) Sydney (Sydney Football Stadium, 42,512) Brisbane (Lang Park, 52,263) Melbourne (Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, 30,000) Perth (Perth Rectangular Stadium, 22,225) Adelaide (Hindmarsh Stadium, 16,500) New Zealand Auckland (Eden Park, 48,276) Wellington (Wellington Regional Stadium, 39,000) Dunedin (Forsyth Barr Stadium, 28,744) Hamilton (Waikato Stadium, 25,111) Read More England’s road to the World Cup begins with a ‘different test’ - and it’s not just Portugal Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match in UK When is the Women’s World Cup and what are the fixtures? England squad ‘disappointed’ at not reaching bonus deal with FA before World Cup World Cup 2023 fixtures from England vs Haiti to route to the final FIFA Women’s World Cup start date, fixtures and full schedule

Scotland is aiming to host the women’s Champions League final, Europa League final or Europa Conference League final in either 2026 or 2027. Hampden Park, which has staged six previous European finals, is the stadium at the centre of one of the declarations of interests Uefa has received from nine different countries for the showpiece events. Final bids will have to be received by February 2024 with the eventual decision being announced next May. The two venues bidding to host the men’s Champions League finals over the two years are Milan’s San Siro and Budapest’s Puskas Arena, which staged this year’s Europa League final. If successful, it would be the first Champions League or European Cup final held in Hungary while San Siro has hosted four, the last of them in 2016. Hampden Park’s capacity is now too small for Uefa’s requirements for a Champions League final, though a record crowd of 127,621 were at the 1960 match where Real Madrid beat Eintracht Frankfurt 7-3. The Glasgow stadium also hosted the 1976 European Cup final, won by Bayern Munich, and the 2002 Champions League final, where Real Madrid beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-1, as well as two Cup Winners’ Cup finals and one Uefa Cup final, but none since 2007. Hampden faces competition for the women’s Champions League final from Norway, with the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo, and Germany, with Gelsenkirchen, Munich and Stuttgart lined up as potential venues. The other countries interested in hosting the Europa League final are Romania, at Bucharest’s National Arena, Germany and Turkey. There are five possible host cities in Germany – Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Gelsenkirchen, Leipzig and Stuttgart – and three Istanbul grounds in the reckoning, those of Besiktas, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, but in each case, it will have to be narrowed down to one when the bid is submitted. The Conference League final could be played in either Glasgow, Istanbul, Oslo, Leipzig, Israel – at the Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem – or Switzerland, at the Stade de Geneve. Uefa was criticised for using smaller venues for the first two Conference League finals, meaning fewer fans could attend, and each of the eight possible venues has a larger capacity, of at least 28,000. Read More Confident Rory McIlroy ‘could not ask for better preparation’ ahead of the Open Embracing the limelight all part of World Cup experience for Ruesha Littlejohn Trans athletes banned from women’s events by world cycling’s governing body

England’s players have expressed their disappointment at talks with the Football Association over their bonus and commercial structures not being resolved before the start of the World Cup. In a statement from the team posted on social media by captain Millie Bright, the Lionesses said they would “pause discussions, with full intentions of revisiting them following the tournament”. The European champions’ campaign at the showpiece in Australia and New Zealand gets under way on Saturday when they face Haiti in Brisbane. The statement said: “Last year we presented the FA with concerns relating to our bonus and commercial structures. The hope was that discussions would lead to a solution before the commencement of our World Cup. “We are disappointed that a resolution has still not been achieved. “We view the successful conclusion of these discussions, through player input and a transparent long term plan, as key for the growth of women’s football in England. “With our opening game on the horizon, we Lionesses have decided to pause discussions, with full intentions of revisiting them following the tournament. “We collectively feel a strong sense of responsibility to grow the game. And while our focus now switches fully to the tournament ahead, we believe every tackle, pass and goal will contribute to the work we are committed to doing off the pitch. “We look forward to playing for our country (at) this World Cup, with pride, passion and perseverance.” With our opening game on the horizon, we Lionesses have decided to pause discussions, with full intentions of revisiting them following the tournament England players' statement Last month FIFA announced a new financial distribution model to apply to this summer’s tournament. Under that model, players will be guaranteed performance-related remuneration directly from FIFA, with amounts increasing the deeper teams go in the tournament, ranging from 30,000 US dollars (£23,000) per athlete for the group stage to USD 270,000 (£206,000) allotted to each champion. Previously, it was up to individual national governing bodies to decide how money was allocated, with some still agreeing to fund additional payments in 2023 beyond the new deal. England players were understood to have been left disappointed by the fact the FA was not following the lead of the Australian and American federations – where collective bargaining agreements are in place – in paying bonuses on top of the prize money being paid to players direct by FIFA. Players were also understood to be frustrated over a lack of clarity over what their cut from any commercial deals done by the FA linked to the Lionesses will be, as well as the restrictions around their personal sponsorships. The Professional Footballers’ Association released a statement from its chief executive Maheta Molango, who said: “Although the issues the Lionesses have highlighted are specific to the negotiations with the FA, they join players from a number of countries at the World Cup who are prepared to make a stand when they don’t think they are being listened to. “It’s a massive mistake to underestimate the genuine strength of player feeling on these issues. “It’s no coincidence that this is a particular issue for nations where there is no proper collective bargaining agreement in place between players and governing bodies. “These longer-term agreements require negotiation and will nearly always involve difficult conversations. But when they are completed, they ensure a far higher degree of stability and security. “They mean that everyone knows where they stand, and that’s obviously a massive advantage going into major tournaments when players just want to be focused on the football. “The PFA’s view has always been that player rights and conditions should be addressed proactively and viewed as a partnership. “There will always be consequences when players feel they are having to come back issue by issue to push for parity and progress. It doesn’t need to be like this.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Confident Rory McIlroy ‘could not ask for better preparation’ ahead of the Open Bethany England eager to shine at World Cup having felt ‘wasted’ at Chelsea ICEC: Recommendations ‘too important to be put on back burner for lack of money’

Bethany England says she stayed longer than she should have at Chelsea feeling “wasted” as the striker looks to take her fine form for Tottenham into the World Cup. After an impressive 2019-20 campaign with the Blues which saw her named PFA player of the year, the 29-year-old subsequently found herself in and out of their starting line-up, and was part of it only twice in the first half of the 2022-23 Women’s Super League season. She subsequently made a January move to Tottenham, went on to score 12 goals in as many league starts and earned an England recall – her first involvement since last September – when boss Sarina Wiegman named her squad in May for this summer’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. England said: “They (Chelsea) brought Sam Kerr in halfway through the (2019-20) season and I built up a great relationship playing with Sam, and then obviously it didn’t transpire to the next season where we didn’t play with a front two. “Emma (Hayes, the Chelsea manager) opted for singular number nine, which made my chances much more difficult based off Sam being who she is – and she is a prolific goalscorer. “So it was hard to kind of fight my way back in from that point and I think I probably overstayed maybe a year, a year-and-a-half too long, where I felt like I was just wasted there, and I wasn’t being used enough. “It was a very difficult time, but I think I built up a lot of resilience from that and was able to take that into other scenarios in football.” I think I probably overstayed maybe a year, a year-and-a-half too long, where I felt like I was just wasted there, and I wasn’t being used enough. Bethany England on Chelsea England, who joined Chelsea in 2016 and scored a total of 74 goals for them, added: “I think there was ultimately lots of reasons why I left, the World Cup being one of them. “I think the move has paid off for me and, as you would say, (it has been) vindicated. Ultimately, I think if I had stayed where I was, sat on the bench, I would never be here today.” England’s wait for an international recall initially went on after the January transfer despite her hitting goals for Spurs from the off, and she said: “I didn’t get selected for the (February) Arnold Clark Cup, and then I went and scored against Manchester United (running with the ball) from the halfway line. “I think that was my ‘have some of that’ type thing. It was more like: ‘Look, I know I am good enough’. “But equally, I had to balance not focusing too much on what was going on (with England), because ultimately if I didn’t do the job at club level, I wouldn’t have been here.” Having continued to flourish with Tottenham, England, who was a member of Wiegman’s Euro 2022-winning squad as an unused substitute, is now among three main number nine options in the World Cup 23, along with Alessia Russo and Rachel Daly. “I want to help the team and put the ball in the net, however they may go in,” said England, who has scored 11 goals in 21 international appearances. “The biggest thing I would say is leading into the World Cup Sarina has been able to see me more, playing regularly, scoring goals. “I am hoping, as a collective, everyone can see what qualities I can bring. They know I can bring that to this team and hopefully I am put in a position where I can help showcase that. “I think me and Alessia are very different players. I would say I am more similar with Rachel. I think we are all great in our own way and whatever tactics suit the game at that time is going to showcase that. “It’s a tough decision because we have all got different qualities, but whoever Sarina chooses to go for is her preference.” England open their campaign by playing Haiti in Brisbane on Saturday. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live ICEC: Recommendations ‘too important to be put on back burner for lack of money’ FIFA criticised for lack of pro LGBTQ+ stance in new ‘Unite’ armbands England blind footballer targeting Paris 2024 alongside educational ambitions

Former Manchester United winger and Wales manager Ryan Giggs’ retrial later this month on domestic violence charges has been abandoned after lawyers withdrew the prosecution. Giggs, 49, was due to go on trial for a second time on July 31, accused of controlling or coercive behaviour towards his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville, 39, between August 2017 and November 2020. Giggs was also accused of assault by “losing control” and headbutting her and the common assault of Greville’s sister Emma by elbowing her in the jaw, during a row at his home in Worsley, Greater Manchester, on November 1 2020. He denied the offences and underwent a month-long trial, ending last August when the jury failed to reach any verdicts. Prosecutors then sought and were granted an application for a retrial, scheduled to begin on July 31, after telling Judge Hilary Manley that the complainants were willing to give evidence at a second trial. But on Tuesday, prosecutor Peter Wright KC told Manchester Crown Court that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) were not now proceeding with the case. During Giggs’ time at Old Trafford, Manchester United won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, four FA Cups and three League Cups. Giggs stood down as Wales boss following a period of leave since November 2020. He won 64 caps for Wales and is co-owner of Sky Bet League Two side Salford. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

The World Cup begins on Thursday and captains will wear FIFA’s new ‘Unite’ armbands, but the governing body of world football has been criticised for a lack of pro LGBTQ+ stance. It was announced last month that FIFA had partnered with the United Nations to create eight stakeholder-sanctioned armbands that can be swapped out or worn during the month-long tournament co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. The ‘Unite’ armbands are a solution to the ‘OneLove’ armband debate that sparked the threat of sanctions being issued to countries, including England and Wales, during the men’s World Cup in Qatar last winter. While FIFA’s ‘Unite’ armbands will highlight a number of social issues, amongst them inclusion, gender equality, indigenous people and peace, there is no specific armband that advocates for the LGBTQ+ community and none contain the rainbow colours commonly associated as the colours of pride. Stonewall ambassador Amazin LeThi has been left disappointed, especially given many players involved at the tournament will be part of the LGBTQ+ community. “Unite for inclusion is not enough,” LeThi told the PA news agency in reference to one of the eight ‘Unite’ armbands. “And who are you not wanting to offend by not having the rainbow flag colours for the unite for inclusion armband? It is like, ‘we are uniting for inclusion but only for certain communities,’. “So many fans as well are part of the LGBTQ+ community. FIFA has had World Cups in countries where there are anti-LGBTQ+ laws so what a statement it would have made this time if the athletes came out wearing an armband in support of the LGBTQ+ community.” FIFA consulted with national associations ahead of this World Cup in an effort to avoid the row that occurred in Qatar over the ‘OneLove’ armband, with the captains of the nations involved threatened with a yellow card if the bands were worn. The armbands were viewed by FIFA as a potent symbol of tolerance in a country where same-sex relationships were criminalised, but LeThi, an advocate of Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign, questioned why the same should apply this time. Regardless of what FIFA has come up with, I think teams should come out wearing the OneLove armband because it would make such a statement. Stonewall ambassador Amazin LeThi She added: “It didn’t surprise me at all because there are obviously politics behind it as well. It was completely disappointing that so many big sports organisations caved in to not supporting LGBTQ+ rights. “Just the same with the trans exclusion we have just seen with World Athletics recently. “There is no reason why they can’t this time. Australia has inclusion and equality for the community so they can’t make excuses around sensitivity there.” England head coach Sarina Wiegman revealed last week the team were happy with the ‘Unite’ armband solution, but captain Millie Bright has not yet announced if she will wear one armband or alternate for the different cause being highlighted in each round of matches. Injured Euro 2022-winning captain Leah Williamson had signalled in February her intention to this summer wear the contentious ‘OneLove’ armband – which become symbolic for the LGBTQ+ community last winter – but sanctions would be issued for wearing it or any other unsanctioned band, the PA news agency understands. England men’s captain Harry Kane wore a rainbow-coloured armband during their Euro 2020 last-16 tie with Germany two years ago and LeThi would like Bright to wear the OneLove armband in their World Cup opener against Haiti on Saturday. “There is no reason why England shouldn’t still wear it,” LeThi said. “The UK prides itself on equality and inclusion. We have just had London Pride where nearly three million people attended, you have LGBTQ+ athletes as part of this team, there isn’t any reason why they can’t wear it. “When you think about it, it is just an armband with some bright colours on it. Where is the problem? “Regardless of what FIFA has come up with, I think teams should come out wearing the OneLove armband because it would make such a statement.” FIFA has been approached for comment. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live England blind footballer targeting Paris 2024 alongside educational ambitions A look at Rory McIlory’s major record as he bids to end wait for fifth title A closer look at Old Trafford’s Ashes history ahead of fourth Test

TNT Sports’ football coverage will be led by four female presenters in the new season as it seeks to “push the boundaries” of sports broadcasting. TNT Sports replaces BT Sport from Tuesday, with Laura Woods confirmed as host of its Champions League coverage alongside Reshmin Chowdhury. Jake Humphrey, who fronted BT’s Champions League coverage last season, announced he was stepping back from his role in May. Lynsey Hipgrave will continue to host live Premier League coverage on TNT Sports, having done so since the start of last season, while Jules Breach replaces Des Kelly as the broadcaster’s pitchside reporter. Ally McCoist joins the TNT punditry line-up for Premier League and Champions League matches, which will still feature the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch and Joe Cole. “We do want to be contemporary, we do want to be bold, we definitely want to push the boundaries of what sports broadcasting has been in this market over the previous years,” Andrew Georgiou, the president and managing director of Warner Bros Discovery Sports Europe, said. “It’s a really good opportunity for us to reflect on what’s happened and it’s almost like, ‘Okay, we’ve got a moment in time to refresh and rethink’.” The rebrand follows the completion of a deal in September last year to form a joint venture that combines the assets of BT Sport and Eurosport UK. From Tuesday, TNT Sports is available to stream via the discovery+ platform. UK subscribers with a premium plan will be able to access TNT Sports and Eurosport via the discovery+ platform, allowing them to watch both networks’ live sport in the same place as well as discovery+ entertainment content. The cost of the premium plan is £29.99 a month, the same as was previously charged for the BT Sport Monthly Pass. Eurosport’s live rights include the Olympic Games and the Tour de France. Georgiou said TNT Sports would be keenly focused on the Premier League’s invitation to tender for its next set of domestic television rights later this year. “We are a premium sports broadcaster and our 100 per cent stated ambition is to remain a premium sports broadcaster, and reviewing our rights portfolio to make sure that remains (the case) is in the bullseye of our agenda,” he said. “We look at everything that comes up. Obviously the Premier League tender is up at the end of the year. That is a key part of our rights portfolio and something we’re focused on.” It is understood the new domestic offering will feature at least 60 more live matches than the current deal but split into a smaller number of packages available for broadcasters to buy, from the current seven down to five. Read More Why is BT Sport being rebranded to TNT Sports? Eurosport merger explained TNT Sports reveals first Premier League game after Eurosport merger Leeds gamble on £100m loan spree highlights broken transfer market Football rumours: Harry Kane rules out PSG move, open to Bayern Munich switch France’s Women’s World Cup advert makes powerful gender statement with surprise twist

The £100m spending spree has lost its novelty value. When it may only yield a solitary player, when the biggest buyers’ summer expenditure could be double or even triple that, when £100m was far less than promoted Nottingham Forest paid out last summer, it may not feel like such an extraordinary event after all. But the £100m loaning spree represents an altogether newer development. The dynamic is different, too: the nine-figure sum may reflect the purchase prices of the players being borrowed, not the amounts their temporary employers will have to fork out to acquire their services for the season. Leeds United spent well over £100m buying players last season. The chances are that, by the time the window closes, they will have loaned out some £100m of signings – in terms of transfer fees paid rather than resale value now – this year. Which, in part, reflects the reality they could not sell them all, and perhaps any, for similar sums now. But Rasmus Kristensen, who cost around £10m, has joined Roma. Marc Roca, an £11m addition, headed to Real Betis for the season. The £13m defender Robin Koch has sealed his move to Eintracht Frankfurt. The £18m centre-back Diego Llorente is back at Roma, where he spent the second half of last season. The £25m Brenden Aaronson has gone to Union Berlin for the campaign, trading the Championship for the Champions League. Between them, they cost around £77m of Leeds’ Premier League revenue. Another loan or two – and if, for different reasons, Tyler Adams, Luis Sinisterra, Jack Harrison, Junior Firpo and Georginio Rutter might be expected to either be sold or stay but could yet prove contenders – then maybe Helder Costa and Dan James could take the total over £100m. All of which would reflect a shift in the transfer market. Relegated clubs have long been raided for players, sometimes for cut-price fees, but they tended to be bought, not borrowed. So far, Leeds’ only sale is Rodrigo, a scorer of 13 Premier League goals last season leaving – albeit in his thirties and with a lone year left on his contract – for just £3m. But they have been busier in a newer market: for loanees. It highlights several elements. Premier League clubs have had increasing difficulty selling to mainland Europe for meaningful fees in recent seasons; Championship clubs with footballers acquired for the top flight and caps for major countries stand still less chance of trading on their preferred terms. Perhaps Leeds came to that pragmatic conclusion early in the window; certainly opportunistic continental clubs realise they can acquire high-calibre players for nothing more than their salary and the occasional loan fee. In addition, there seems a recognition that players who signed up for a newly promoted outfit – as Koch and Llorente did in 2020 – or one who had just dodged the drop, as Leeds had when Aaronson, Kristensen and Roca joined in 2022, would not be expected to brave the EFL. With a dramatic drop in income, even with parachute payments softening their fall into the lower leagues, Leeds needed to reduce the wage bill. In some circumstances, it can be more of a priority than the prospect of transfer fees. Leeds will not recoup £77m for the quintet, but there are different tales among them: with Koch entering the last year of his deal, his Leeds career is in effect over; Llorente signed a new deal until 2026 in December, when demotion was a possibility and shortly before being loaned out; Aaronson, a 22-year-old, with four years left on his contract, could yet have plenty of Premier League football ahead of him at Elland Road. If part of the gamble is that Leeds can come back up, perhaps allowing them to inject loanees back into their squad with their (supposedly) greater quality in 12 months’ time, there is also the prospect that if they do not, then they are sent out for a further year elsewhere in 2024 because there are no buyers. It underlines an economy of risk: if some purchases don’t just lose some but all of their transfer value when a club is relegated, the money spent by the bottom-half Premier League clubs is likelier to end up wasted. In the meantime, there is a logic to Leeds’ actions, disposing of players who may not want to play in the lower divisions early in the window, to rebuild around their core of Championship stalwarts, young players and Brits, to giving new manager Daniel Farke something of a clean slate. For now, their squad is looking slender. There is a way to alter that. Because the recent history of the Championship shows one of the keys to exiting it in the right direction is to make astute loan signings – as Burnley did with Nathan Tella, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Ian Maatsen, Sheffield United with Tommy Doyle and James McAteer or Luton with Ethan Horvath, Marvelous Nakamba and Leeds’ Cody Drameh last season – from Premier League clubs. If the age-old wisdom was to neither a borrower nor a lender be, Leeds may hope it will pay to be both. Read More Harry Maguire’s fall from grace shows Manchester United captaincy is a hospital pass Looking back with pride and forward with anticipation – Friday’s sporting social NBA star Russell Westbrook joins Leeds United ownership group It’s done – Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas take minority stake in Leeds