List of All Articles with Tag 'football'

Wolves have become the first club to be sanctioned by the Football Association solely over the homophobic chant of ‘Chelsea rent boy’ by their fans. The Premier League side have been hit with a six-figure fine and imposed with an action plan by the FA after supporters chanted the slur during a fixture against Chelsea in April. While the FA has always condemned the use of the term, a statement from the governing body in January confirmed to clubs they could now be charged with disciplinary action if their fans engage in discriminatory behaviour – including the use of the term ‘rent boy’. Wolves have accepted breaches to FA rule E21 following incidents where written reasons for the charges stated: “a chant by a large number of supporters for a prolonged period of approximately 20 seconds each in the 61st and also in the 71st minutes.” Three arrests were made by West Midlands Police for alleged homophobic chanting during the game. Wolves have been fined £100,000 and issued an 11-point action plan as it was deemed their reaction and response to the homophobic chanting was inadequate. In its written reasons for the charges, an Independent Regulatory Commission said a public announcement made 10 minutes after the chanting was heard was “weak” while the lack of reaction from matchday stewards was also condemned. It was noted that the post-match response from Wolves deserved praise but the commission said there had been “a clear and significant break down between taking on board what The FA has said in its statement about the Chant and actually doing anything about it.” Included in the action plan imposed alongside the fine and to begin from the 2023/24 season, the club has to communicate the outcome and response to the charge on their website, social media and in the next matchday programme. Wolves will not cease in its work with supporters, communities and local stakeholders to drive LGBTQ+ inclusion Club statement In their response on their official website, a Wolves statement said: “We will continue to campaign for inclusivity in football and society and to tackle discriminatory abuse whether inside stadiums or online. “Furthermore, Wolves will not cease in its work with supporters, communities and local stakeholders to drive LGBTQ+ inclusion and ensure the game we love is a place where everyone is respected and can feel safe playing or supporting their team.” Other points on the action plan called for a full review of steward management, development of educational programmes, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion work and a zero-tolerance media campaign. Wolves will also have to review ticket sales policies, deploy announcements and messages to target the prevention of discriminatory chanting and have an FA compliance officer present at their next home game against Chelsea – currently scheduled for December 23. There were 106 reported incidents of hate crime involving sexual orientation at matches in England and Wales during the 2021-22 season, according to Home Office figures released last year. That represented a 186 per cent increase on 2018-19, the last full season unaffected by the Covid-19 pandemic, when there were 37 such incidents reported. Last season the ‘rent boy’ chant was heard at Chelsea’s matches against Nottingham Forest and Manchester City, and also at the Manchester United v Everton FA Cup match, where it was aimed at then-Toffees boss Frank Lampard, a former Chelsea player and manager. Earlier this week, a Fulham supporter was been banned from football for three years and fined after admitting a public order offence relating to homophobic chanting. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Hampshire’s Liam Dawson not ‘wasting energy’ thinking about England recall Men’s football can learn a lot from women’s game in terms of inclusivity Football rumours: Barcelona looking to reunite with Thiago Alcantara

After bringing football home, England head ‘Down Under’ looking to add the Women’s World Cup to last summer’s Euros glory. The Lionesses won their first major prize with their game-changing victory on home soil but Sarina Wiegman’s side are focused on a new goal as they head to Australia as one of the favourites for the tournament. England will face a completely different challenge to what they experienced at the Euros. Not only are they away from home and on the other side of the world, but Wiegman’s team has gone through significant change in the last 12 months, much of it enforced. Injuries have been the hot topic ahead of the World Cup with Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Fran Kirby all ruled out, but those who remain have the experience of winning a major tournament and that should still give England confidence ahead of what is still a wide-open World Cup. Some key questions remain, however, particularly when it comes to depth. England look strong in some areas but appear to be lacking in others, particularly in defence with Williamson a key absentee. There is real talent among the wide forwards and significant competition for the starting striker role, but it does also give the sense that Wiegman is yet to land upon her starting eleven for the World Cup. That was crucial at the Euros, where Wiegman named the same starting line-up for England’s six matches. Denmark, China and Haiti complete Group D and will look to cause an upset, with some serious threats looming ahead of the knockout stages. Although the Lionesses backed up their Euros win with a win against the United States in September and victory in the inaugural women’s Finalissima against Brazil, Australia ended England’s 30-game unbeaten run in April and could be their opponents in the last-16. England Group fixtures (all times BST) Saturday 22 July 2023: England vs Haiti (10:30, Brisbane Stadium) Friday 28 July 2023: England vs Denmark (09:30, Sydney Football Stadium) Tuesday 1 August: China vs England (12:00, Adelaide) Confirmed squad Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Manchester United), Hannah Hampton (Aston Villa), Ellie Roebuck (Manchester City) Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Esme Morgan (Manchester City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal) Midfielders: Laura Coombs (Manchester City), Jordan Nobbs (Aston Villa), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Barcelona), Katie Zelem (Manchester United) Forwards: Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Bethany England (Tottenham Hotspur), Lauren Hemp, (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Katie Robinson (Brighton & Hove Albion), Alessia Russo (Manchester United) Key player Keira Walsh was the player of the match in the Euros final and remains England’s most important player with her ability to set the team’s pace and tempo in midfield. Walsh moved to Barcelona last summer for what was said to be a world-record fee and after winning the Champions League on her first season at the club, the 26-year-old has returned to the Lionesses to set higher standards. The coach The best tournament manager in the world? After winning the Euros in 2017 and reaching the World Cup final in 2019 with her native Netherlands, and then winning the Euros again with England in 2022, Sarina Wiegman has every right to make that claim. The World Cup in 2023 could be her greatest challenge but Wiegman, with her supreme communication, tactical observation, and player management skills, can rise to it. What are their chances? The Lionesses were declared favourites for the World Cup after winning the Euros and beating the world champions United States in September. There is less overt optimism now, due to England’s injuries and the quality of the other main contenders, but the Lionesses still remain of the strongest teams at the tournament and have been building towards this moment where they can arrive at a World Cup and act like one of the favourites. Now it’s about delivering under the pressure and amid the adversity. Denmark Group fixtures (all times BST) Saturday 22 July: Denmark vs China (13:00, Perth Rectangular Stadium) Friday 28 July: England vs Denmark (09:30, Sydney Football Stadium) Tuesday 1 August: Haiti vs Denmark (12:00, Perth Rectangular Stadium) Confirmed squad Goalkeepers: Lene Christensen (Rosenborg), Katherin Larsen (Brøndby IF), Maja Bay Østergaard (FC Thy-Thisted Q) Defenders: Simone Boye (Hammarby IF), Stine Ballisager (Vålerenga), Rikke Sevecke (Everton), Luna Gevitz (Montpellier), Sofie Svava (Real Madrid), Katrine Veje (Everton) Midfielders: Frederikke Thøgersen (Inter Milan), Karen Holmgaard (Everton), Sofie Junge Pedersen (Juventus), Josefine Hasbo (Harvard Crimson), Sanne Troelsgaard (Reading), Kathrine Møller Kühl (Arsenal), Emma Snerle (West Ham) Forwards: Signe Bruun (Lyon), Nicoline Sørensen (Everton), Amalie Vangsgaard (PSG), Pernille Harder (Bayern Munich), Janni Thomsen (Vålerenga), Rikke Madsen (North Carolina Courage), Mille Gejl (North Carolina Courage) Star player Pernille Harder is one of the top players in the world and will be a familiar face to England fans after three successful seasons spent in the Women’s Super League with Chelsea, who she joined for a world-record fee in 2020. The skillful and tireless attacker leads the line for Denmark, who cannot afford to leave her isolated. One of the game’s most decorated players, Harder will be making her World Cup debut. The coach Lars Søndergaard will say goodbye to Denmark after the World Cup after seven years in charge but the team have had their confidence boosted by recent wins against Norway, Japan and Sweden. Søndergaard, who asks his side to sit deep before breaking on the counter-attack, preferes to field a 3-4-3 formation that can switch to 4-3-3 during sustained attacks. What are their chances? Denmark will be making their first appearance at a Women’s World Cup since 2007 and will be desperate to make up for lost time. They will hope to test England and challenge for a place in the last-16. China Group fixtures (all times BST) Saturday 22 July: Denmark vs China (13:00, Perth Rectangular Stadium) Friday 28 July 2023: China vs Haiti (12:00, Adelaide) Tuesday 1 August: China vs England (12:30, Adelaide) Confirmed squad Goalkeepers: Zhu Yu (Shanghai RCB), Xu Huan (Jiangsu Wuxi), Pan Hongyan (Beijing) Defenders: Wu Haiyan (Wuhan Jianghan University), Yao Wei (Wuhan Jianghan University), Wang Linlin (Shanghai RCB), Gao Chen (CCDZZY W.F.C), Chen Qiaozhu (Guangdong), Li Mengwen (Jiangsu Wuxi), Dou Jiaxing (Jiangsu Wuxi) Midfielders: Zhang Rui (Wuhan Jianghan University), Yao Lingwei (Wuhan Jianghan University), Gu Yasha (Wuhan Jianghan University), Zhang Xin (Shanghai RCB), Yang Lina (Levante UD), Wu Chengshu (Canberra United), Zhang Linyan (Wuhan Jianghan University), Shen Mengyu (Celtic F.C.) Forwards: Wang Shanshan (Wuhan Jianghan University), Wang Shuang (Racing Louisville FC), Tang Jiali (Shanghai RCB), Xiao Yuyi (Shanghai RCB), Lou Jiahui (Wuhan Jianghan University) Key player China’s captain Wang Shanshan is a wonder: a veteran striker with a tendency to score crucial goals, the 33-year-old can also help out defensively by playing at centre-back for the team. The coach Shui Qingxia took charge after the 2021 Olympics and led China to victory in the 2022 Asian Cup, where they beat Korea Republic in the final and Japan in the semis. A former midfielder who won five Asian Cups and the Olympic silver medal as a player, Qingxia is China’s first female coach and has brought glory back to the team as manager. What are their chances? Qingxia admitted that their European opponents in Group D are ahead of China, but their Asian Cup win should give them confidence. China reached the World Cup final in 1999 during the team’s golden era, where they lost to the United States. Haiti Group fixtures (all times BST) Saturday 22 July 2023: England vs Haiti (10:30, Brisbane Stadium) Friday 28 July 2023: China vs Haiti (12:00, Adelaide) Tuesday 1 August: Haiti vs Denmark (12:00, Perth Rectangular Stadium) Confirmed squad Goalkeepers: Nahomie Ambroise (Little Haiti), Lara-Sofia Larco (Georgetown University), Kerly Theus (Miami City). Defenders: Tabita Joseph (Stade Brestois 29), Kethna Louis (Montpellier), Ruthny Mathurin (Mississippi State), Betina Petit-Frere (Stade Brestois 29), Milan Raquel Pierre-Jerome (Georges Mason University), Chelsea Surpris (Grenoble), Jennyfer Limage (Grenoble), Maudeline Moryl (Grenoble) Joseph Esthericove (Exafoot) Midfielders: Melchie Dumornay (Lyon), Danielle Etienne (Fordham Rams), Noa Olivia Ganthier (Weston), Sherly Jeudy (Grenoble), Dayana Pierre-Louis (GPSO Issy) Forwards: Roselord Borgella (Dijon), Roseline Eloissaint (Nantes), Florsie Darlina Joseph (Grenoble), Shwendesky Macelus Joseph (Zenit St Petersburg), Batcheba Louis (FC Fleury), Nerilia Mondesir (Montpellier) Key player There is considerable excitement around the 19-year-old Melchie Dumornay, who has signed a pre-contract with European powerhouse Lyon ahead of the new season. The midfielder scored twice as Haiti beat Chile in the inter-continental play-offs to qualify for the World Cup and is regarded as one of the best young players in the world. “You can’t compare Melchie with any other player, she’s special,” team-mate Jennyfer Limage told Fifa. The coach Frenchman Nicolas Delepine helped spark scenes of national celebration when Haiti qualified for their first ever World Cup by beating Chile in the play-off final. With the majority of the Haiti team already playing France, Delepine took the job from French club Grenoble Foot 38 and wants his team to play quick, attacking football. What are their chances? Haiti have nothing to lose on their World Cup debut and with players such as the exciting Melchie Dumornay, they have the talent to cause an upset if they can balance their ambition with defence organisation. Read More Lionesses bonus row could drag on until after World Cup Women’s World Cup history hangs over co-hosts New Zealand The inspiration behind Australia’s shot at home World Cup glory Can Spain regroup from mutiny to challenge for the Women’s World Cup? The inspiration behind Australia’s shot at home World Cup glory Women’s World Cup stars to offset climate impact of flights to tournament

Amid a backdrop of mutiny and exile, it is a testament to the talent of this Spain team that La Roja remain one of the favourites for the World Cup despite a chaotic year under the management of Jorge Vilda. Spain looked on the brink of implosion in September when 15 players made themselves unavailable for selection, saying that the environment of the national team was having a negative impact on their mental health and emotional wellbeing. Nine months later, Vilda will still be able to name a formidable side at the World Cup. It comes after the star of the Spain team, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, returned from a year-long injury absence and three members of the protesting 15, Aitana Bonmati, Mariona Caldentey and Ona Batlle, ended their exile and made themselves available for selection. Whether the returning players have secured the changes they called for off the pitch remains unclear, but the fact the other 12 remain out, including key members of the team in Sandra Panos, Mapi Leon and Patri Guijarro, suggests there is still a long way to go. Throughout the turmoil, Vilda maintained the backing of the Spanish Football Federation but there will be significant pressure on his shoulders if Spain underperform again after their last-eight exit at the Euros. Since the last World Cup, Spain has become home to the new dominant force in women’s club football thanks to Barcelona and, with Putellas and Bonmati back, are leading the world in their development of technical players. They will certainly be expected to top a group that includes Japan, World Cup winners in 2011 and runners-up in 2015, and Costa Rica. Zambia, who will be making their first appearance at a World Cup, men’s or women’s, are an intriguing side to watch and have been mentioned as possible dark horses. An eye-catching warm-up win against Germany showed everyone how dangerous they could be, with forwards Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji tearing Germany apart on the counter-attack. Japan, who come into the World Cup in transition, could be vulnerable in Group C. Spain Group fixtures (all times BST) Friday 21 July: Spain vs Costa Rica (08:30, Wellington Regional Stadium) Wednesday 26 July: Spain vs Zambia (08:30, Eden Park) Monday 31 July: Japan vs Spain (08:00, Wellington Regional Stadium) Confirmed squad Goalkeepers: Cata Coll (Barcelona), Misa Rodriguez (Real Madrid), Enith Salon (Valencia) Defenders: Ivana Andres (Real Madrid), Ona Batlle (Manchester United), Olga Carmona (Real Madrid), Laia Codina (Barcelona), Rocio Galvez (Real Madrid), Oihane Hernandez (Athletic Club), Irene Paredes (Barcelona) Midfielders: Teresa Abelleira (Real Madrid), Aitana Bonmati (Barceona), Irene Guerrero (Levante), Jennifer Hermoso (Pachuca), Maria Perez (Barcelona), Alexia Putellas (Barcelona), Claudia Zornoza (Real Madrid) Forwards: Mariona Caldentey (Barcelona), Athenea del Castillo (Real Madrid), Esther Gonzalez (Real Madrid), Eva Navarro (Atletico Madrid), Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona), Alba Redondo (Levante) Key player Aitana Bonmati. When an ACL injury robbed two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas of the chance to play at the Euros last summer and then took away almost all of the following season, it handed her international and club team-mate Bonmati the opportunity to play further forward for Barcelona. How she took it. Arguably the best player in the world over the past year, the midfielder is technically flawless and has unlocked the ability to contribute even more goals and assists. Although Putellas is now back and will likely grab the attention, Bonmati deserves her own recognition. The coach Jorge Vilda is perhaps the most divisive head coach at the World Cup, and that’s not just among Spain’s pool of players. Vilda faced criticism for his team selections last summer as Spain finished runner-up to Germany in the group stages of the Euros and were then knocked out by England in the quarter-finals. He survived with his job, and did so again as players walked out on the team. He is theoretically under pressure again with Spain’s golden generation expected to compete for the title, but he also has the backing of the federation. World Cup history Spain are appearing in their third consecutive World Cup having only made their debut in 2015. Considered to be favourites before the Euros last summer, their last-16 exit to England was a disappointment and they also fell at the first hurdle in the knockout stages when they lost to eventual champions the USA four years ago. There is pressure on Spain to deliver this time. Japan Group fixtures (all times BST) Saturday 22 July: Zambia vs Japan (08:00, Waikato Stadium) Wednesday 26 July: Japan vs Costa Rica (06:00 local time, Dunedin Stadium) Monday 31 July: Japan vs Spain (08:00, Wellington Regional Stadium) One to watch Yui Hasegawa. Signed by Manchester City last summer to replace England’s Keira Walsh, the 26-year-old impressed with her class and composure on the ball and tenacity in midfield, finishing the season as one of the top performers in the Women’s Super League. Japan will rely on Hasegawa to set their tempo from the middle of the pitch. The coach Futoshi Ikeda took charge of Japan following the 2021 Olympics having guided the country to victory in the Under-20 World Cup in 2018. With Japan coming into the World Cup in translation and with one of the youngest squads at the tournament - with just one player over 30 - Ikeda is still trying to find the right balance in his team. What are their chances? Champions in 2011 and runners-up in 2015, recent history dictates that Japan will be expected to be contenders once again in Australia and New Zealand. But if the Nadeshiko underperformed in 2019, exiting in the last-16, that rather represents where Japan could reasonably expect to finish in 2023, as well. A four-game losing run between November and February to England, Spain, Brazil and the United States suggests they are much still a work in progress. Zambia Group fixtures (all times BST) Saturday 22 July: Zambia vs Japan (08:00, Waikato Stadium) Wednesday 26 July: Spain vs Zambia (08:30, Eden Park) Monday 31 July: Costa Rica vs Zambia (08:00 local time, Waikato Stadium) One to watch Barbra Banda made history at the 2021 Olympics when she became the first player to score back-to-back hat-tricks at the Games, but the Zambia striker was prevented from appearing in the Africa Cup of Nations the following year after her country said she had failed a gender eligibility test. The Zambian FA said four players, including Banda, had natural testosterone levels that exceeded tournament regulations. The 23-year-old returned to the national team last September, however, and Fifa has since confirmed that she is eligible for the World Cup. Banda is captain of the Zambia side and is key to their chances of making it out of the group, as her stunning two-goal display against Germany showed. The coach Under Bruce Mwape, Zambia were involved in a 10-3 defeat to the Netherlands, 4-4 draw with China and 1-0 loss to Brazil, so goals at both ends of the pitch could certainly be expected with the Copper Queens, but the manager remains extremely confident. “It won’t be easy, but it’s others thinking we’ll go there as underdogs,” he told Fifa. “As far as I’m concerned, we are going to compete.” What are their chances? This will be the first time Zambia have played at the World Cup, men’s or women’s, and harnessing their considerable attacking firepower will be key if they are to shock either Spain or Japan and reach the knockout stages. With their leader on the pitch Barbra Banda joined by Racheal Kundananji, who scored 25 goals in Spain’s top flight last season, they certainly have a chance, but the concern is whether they have what it takes defensively. Costa Rica Group fixtures (all times BST) Friday 21 July: Spain vs Costa Rica (08:30, Wellington Regional Stadium) Wednesday 26 July: Japan vs Costa Rica (06:00 local time, Dunedin Stadium) Monday 31 July: Costa Rica vs Zambia (08:00 local time, Waikato Stadium) Confirmed squad Goalkeepers: Priscila Tapia (Saprissa FF), Daniela Solera (Sporting FC), Genesis Perez (University of Central Florida) Defenders: Mariana Benavides (Saprissa FF), Maria Paula Elizondo (Saprissa FF), Valeria del Campo (Monterrey), Fabiola Villalobos (Alajuelense), Maria Paula Coto (Alajuelense), Gabriela Guillen (Alajuelense), Carol Sanchez (Sporting FC) Midfielders: Katherine Alvarado (Saprissa FF), Mariela Campos (Saprissa FF), Gloriana Villalobos (Saprissa FF), Emilie Valenciano (Libre), Melissa Herrera (Bordeaux), Cristin Granados (Sporting FC), Alexandra Pinell (Alajuelense), Raquel Rodriguez (Portland Thorns), Emilie Valenciano (LDA) Forwards: Catalina Estrada (Saprissa FF), Priscila Chinchilla (Libre), Carolina Venegas (Libre), Sofia Varela (Libre), Maria Paula Salas (Monterrey) Key player Raquel Rodriguez is Costa Rica’s record scorer with 55 goals, including the country’s first at a World Cup on their only previous appearance in 2015. The Portland Thorns midfielder, who has won over 100 caps for Costa Rica, has urged her team-mates to battle with passion and commitment as they look to claim a first-ever World Cup win. The coach Amelia Valverde took charge of Costa Rica before their previous World Cup appearance in 2015, and at the age of just 28. She remains in charge and has guided the country back to the World Cup thanks to a fourth-place finish at the 2022 Concacaf Championships. Valverde made the controversial call to leave the 37-year-old Shirley Cruz, Costa Rica’s greatest ever player and former captain, out of her squad for the World Cup. What are their chances? Costa Rica, who are ranked 37th in the world, have landed in a tough group and progress looks unlikely with Spain, Japan and Zambia all vying for qualification. Costa Rica went out in 2015 with draws to Spain and the Korea Republic and will look to make life difficult for their opponents in Group C. 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Everton appear to have accidentally revealed the identity of their next signing in a training clip posted to their official social media accounts. The video shows James Tarkowski and Dwight McNeil competing in a head-to-head duel but it is the off-camera voices that can be heard that have attracted attention. While McNeil and Tarkowski jostle in a game of tag, a coach is in conversation with his colleague and appears to say “we’ve got Jonny Evans coming in”. Evans is a 35-year-old centre-back who captained relegated Leicester last season but his contract expired at the end of June. He would appear to fit the experienced profile of player that Toffees boss Sean Dyche is targeting, after signing 38-year-old Ashley Young from Aston Villa earlier this week. The video was initially posted on Everton’s Instagram and Facebook pages and although it was swiftly taken down from Instagram, Twitter user @ITalkEverton brilliantly spotted the revelation and downloaded the clip before reposting on his own page with the message “Listen closely... does anyone else hear “We’ve got Jonny Evans coming in” ??” As of writing, the video is still live on Everton’s Facebook reels. Some users were sceptical that the comment had been added as a voiceover but @ITalkEverton was adamant they hadn’t doctored the clip. Others applauded the detective work and Specsavers tweeted: “Ok you don’t need to come in for a hearing test for at least six months”. The clip has since been viewed on Twitter more than 2.7m times and the proof will be seen in the coming days if 102-cap Northern Ireland international Evans does indeed join Dyche’s Everton revolution. The Toffees narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League as they finished 17th, just one place and two points above the drop, while Evans’ Leicester side came 18th to drop into the Championship just seven years after they stunningly won the Premier League title in one of the greatest sporting shocks of all time. Read More Five powerful revelations from Dele Alli’s emotional interview Addicted players urged to contact PFA after Dele Alli’s ‘scary’ pill revelation ‘Powerful and brave’: Dele Alli praised for interview about abuse and addiction

Women’s football is continuing to set the standard for inclusivity in the sport as the men’s game lags far behind, according to a player from the London Unity League. While several of the big-name players preparing for the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand are openly gay or bisexual, the lack of LGBTQ+ representation in the men’s game is in stark contrast. Joshua Day, a 30-year-old striker for London Titans in the LUL – a league set up to give members of the LGBTQ+ community a safe environment to play competitive football – had previously been in a professional club’s academy. He quit, largely due to casual homophobia within the dressing room, and has since come out as gay and found his home in the LUL. A Chelsea fan, who has previously left matches when homophobic chants have been heard, Day believes the men’s game has a long way to go to catch up with the inclusive nature of their female counterparts. On Thursday, a Fulham supporter was fined and banned from football for three years after admitting a public order offence relating to homophobic chanting during a match at Stamford Bridge – the latest in a string of similar incidents. “I think there’s a lot that the men’s game can learn from the women’s game at the minute in terms of inclusivity,” Day told the PA news agency. “Fans can learn a lot more from fans in the women’s game, too. There is a better vibe, more inclusivity, more acceptance and that is something we need in men’s football. “Women’s football has players at the very top of the game who are open about their sexuality but that shouldn’t be the catalyst for change in men’s football. “For me, personally, I’m not even sure that (a top-level men’s player coming out) would change things. “If you look at the trans movement at the minute, trans people are under so much scrutiny by being more visible and fighting for their rights much more out in the open – that has brought more trans hate than a decade ago. “Football and sport fits into society and, until we get to a point in society where LGBT people in sport is being much more normalised – and I think that’s why the LUL is really important – I’m not 100 per cent convinced that would mean fans chanting or tweeting homophobic abuse would stop.” Day was part of a Nike advertisement campaign ahead of the Women’s Euros won by England last summer – it was the first time the company had included a gay kiss in an advert, with the online backlash against Day and Nike leading to the comments section being disabled on the post. Rather than having players come out, Day feels having more visible allies for potential LGBTQ+ professionals is key. For me, personally, I'm not even sure that (a top-level men's player coming out) would change things Joshua Day “Players could do more in the men’s game,” added Day. “You see the odd interview saying ‘we’d have no issue with players coming out’ but they are few and far between. “I think if we had more players come out in support of LGBT players, even in lower leagues, the fans are behind players and if players are visibly on board, that’s what I think might help fans change the way that they look at LGBT people in sport. “I remember my first Chelsea game when I was 13 – at that age, I knew that I was gay, I was just not out and I can remember hearing the chant, and just feeling so withdrawn in myself, and I felt so uncomfortable. “I never, ever wanted to feel like that again. No-one should feel like that at a football stadium and eventually that fight for equality will be won.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Football rumours: Barcelona looking to reunite with Thiago Alcantara Denise O’Sullivan not shying away from Republic’s momentous World Cup debut Rory McIlroy returns to Hoylake looking to end nine-year major drought at Open

Basketball star Russell Westbrook has revealed he is a part of the consortium led by 49ers Enterprises which is poised to take full ownership of Leeds. Los Angeles Clippers point guard Westbrook, who won the NBA’s most valuable player award in 2017, has followed American golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas in becoming a minor stakeholder in Leeds. Westbrook, according to Forbes the 14th highest-paid athlete in the world, said he had invested in the Yorkshire club at a sports and entertainment summit held by Sportico. The 34-year-old said: “I was lucky enough to have conversations with some of the partners in this deal, who already have ownership, the 49ers. “So I was lucky enough to talk through that with friends, talking with my business partner as well about different things and having conversations, figuring out if this was the right deal and how we could make it different.” Westbrook, who signed with the Clippers from the Los Angeles Lakers in February, is a nine-time NBA All-Star. Three-time major winner Spieth has confirmed he and Thomas had become minority stakeholders in Leeds earlier this week, but fellow golfer Rickie Fowler pulled out of a deal when the club were relegated from the Premier League in May. Leeds’ joint-owners 49ers Enterprises, the financial arm of NFL franchise San Francisco 49ers, have bought former chairman Andrea Radrizzani’s majority 56 per cent shareholding. The English Football League is currently carrying out its owners and directors test before it sanctions the 49ers’ full takeover.

What the papers say Barcelona are reportedly considering making a move for Thiago Alcantara. The Daily Mail, citing Spanish outlet Sport, says the Spanish giants are eager to reunite with the Liverpool midfielder, with club bosses at Anfield believed to be willing to listen to offers for the 32-year-old. Alcantara came up through Barcelona’s youth system and made 68 appearances for the first team. The Mail also reports that Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad are preparing a bid for Reds midfielder Fabinho. Via The Athletic, the paper says the offer would be worth £40million, with any decision on a potential transfer likely to happen quickly. Meanwhile, Liverpool may be in the market for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia. According to the Daily Mirror, manager Jurgen Klopp is leading the charge for the 19-year-old, who has also attracted interest from Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea. And the Daily Mail says Aston Villa are circling a bid for 22-year-old Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson. Social media round-up Players to watch Riyad Mahrez: The Athletic reports Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli are preparing a £30m offer for the Manchester City winger. Moussa Diaby: Aston Villa have made a formal approach for the Bayer Leverkusen winger, says Sky Sports Germany. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Republic of Ireland midfielder Denise O’Sullivan is less than a week away from making her World Cup debut in front of more than 80,000 people – but confesses it was perhaps the fanfare-filled Knocknaheeny farewell in front of far fewer that will ultimately prove the more intimidating atmosphere. O’Sullivan’s name will go down in history as one of the 23 women who were chosen to represent the Girls in Green at their maiden World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where they will take on the Matildas in their July 20th tournament opener at Sydney’s sold-out Stadium Australia. When the North Carolina Courage captain steps onto the pitch in front of that cauldron of Aussie support she will particularly feel the absence of a few familiar faces in the crowd. Though her family was unable to make the trip, they did their best to compensate with a spectacular home send-off in front of the hundreds who descended on her mum’s house and decorated the neighbourhood to wish her luck. O’Sullivan said: “I was mortified, but it was class to be fair. A few weeks before that I got permission from (manager) Vera (Pauw) just to go home to see the family because unfortunately, they weren’t coming over here to the World Cup. “The minute I told them that, they were organising something and I knew it! But I didn’t know they were organising to that extent, to be quite honest – band and everything. “Rappers, bands, oh my goodness. It was mad. My family have always been a great support and you can see what football does. It just brought the whole community and everyone together that night to support me. It was a great send off.” O’Sullivan, 29, was speaking at Brisbane’s Meakin Park a few days before the Republic’s final friendly against Colombia. Group B encounters with Olympic champions Canada and Nigeria follow the opener against FIFA world no 10 Australia, with the top two from each group advancing to the last-16 knockout round. The long journey is now behind Vera Pauw’s squad, who have been adjusting to the nine-hour time difference through a strict training regimen of shifting start times. On Wednesday, they hosted an open session and invited local Irish fans to watch the team in action. Those kids in the crowd sporting tiny green kit – whether in Queensland or Cork – are what motivate O’Sullivan to keep going. She said: “In that field where I was that night with my family and everyone, that’s where I grew up playing football. That’s where I played street football with my brothers and all the boys. That night, I was there signing autographs for kids sitting in that same field, so just to look forward and look how far I’ve come and what I’m doing now. “Look, I have a platform to inspire people and I think that’s what this team is doing. I want to leave this green shirt in the best condition I can for when I’m about to retire – not anytime soon [laughs], but that’s definitely what it’s all about. It’s about inspiring the next generation.” O’Sullivan was just a young girl herself when father John brought her to a bar early in the morning to watch the Republic face Germany in the 2002 World Cup, when Robbie Keane scored his historic equaliser in the second minute of stoppage time. In 2016, O’Sullivan, who was preparing to move to America to play for Houston Dash, lost her beloved dad just five weeks after he was diagnosed with cancer. Her World Cup debut is the realisation of a long-held dream shared by them both. She added: “He was the biggest supporter for me in my journey to get to where I am. Obviously, to have him here would be a dream but I know he’s looking down. He’s proud anyway. He pushed me along the way to get to where I am today.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Rory McIlroy returns to Hoylake looking to end nine-year major drought at Open From Lauren James to Sam Kerr – Players set to light up Women’s World Cup 5 talking points ahead of the Women’s World Cup

Ella Toone says her superb goal helping England triumph in the Euro 2022 final is “still a pinch-me moment” – and the kind of feeling she wants more of as she heads into her first World Cup nearly a year on. Substitute Toone opened the scoring in the Wembley showdown against Germany with a wonderful lofted effort en route to the 2-1 victory that gave the Lionesses their first ever major trophy. The 23-year-old Manchester United midfielder told the PA news agency: “It’s still a pinch-me moment – I still sometimes don’t think it’s sunk in. “But the best feeling I’ve had in football, and one that I want to make sure I have over and over again. “I’ve had that feeling of what winning is like and I definitely want to make sure that throughout my career I make sure I win more trophies.” Toone is now preparing for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand that gets under way next Thursday, with Sarina Wiegman’s team opening their campaign two days later by facing Haiti in Brisbane. Having come off the bench in each match during the Euros – most often for Fran Kirby, who has been ruled out of the World Cup by a knee injury – Toone has started 10 of 12 England fixtures since, and been a key member of a United outfit that achieved club-best finishes as runners-up in the Women’s Super League and FA Cup. On her potential role at this tournament, Toone said: “I’m not putting too much pressure on myself and I’ll make sure whatever role Sarina asks of me I give 100 per cent, whether that’s starting or coming off the bench, I’ll make sure I’m ready for that. “I think since the Euros I’ve just wanted to keep improving as a player and keep working hard. “I know I have a lot of stuff that I need to keep working hard on, but I’m definitely ready to get out onto the world stage. It’s something I’ve dreamed of as a little girl, so I need to make sure I enjoy every minute of it.” Somebody Toone has had alongside her for the highs of the past year at international and club level, and many experiences prior to that, is Alessia Russo, the player she describes as her “best friend”. I'm definitely ready to get out onto the world stage. It's something I've dreamed of as a little girl. Ella Toone Striker Russo, another effective England substitute last summer that has been a regular starter since, is no longer Toone’s United team-mate, having left to join Arsenal earlier this month. Regarding Russo’s departure from United, Toone said: “I think for both of us our focus is on the World Cup and stepping out there together, hopefully playing there together. “It is what it is. It’s football and people move on. No matter what, I know we will be friends for life. Whatever Alessia does I want her to do the best in.” The pair have known each other for some time, with Toone saying: “We started our journeys off aged 14 at England camps, we went through all the age groups together, and then we stepped out at the Euros together and won that. “We lived together for a bit, it was more in Covid times. We couldn’t get rid of each other! “It makes it 100 per cent better – not many people can say they’ve achieved some of the best things in life with their best friends. “So it’s definitely been nice to share all those special memories together, and to see where we were and where we’re at now and what we’ve achieved is amazing.” After starting their bid for World Cup glory with the Haiti match, England – also without skipper Leah Williamson and Beth Mead at the tournament due to ACL injuries – will face Denmark and then China in Group D. “I think for us it’s going out there, inspiring the next generation and making the nation proud,” Toone said. “We know we have a big target on our backs after the summer but we thrive off that pressure and we’ll just make sure we go out there, enjoy ourselves and believe in ourselves and see what happens.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Novak Djokovic looks to hold off new generation on men’s semi-final day Ireland’s Kathryn Dane happy to ‘see all the light’ after recovering from stroke England seamer Ollie Robinson says he is ‘100 per cent fit’ for fourth Test

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