Wiegman hints Williamson fit for England semi and says Carter ‘ready to perform'
There were concerns about centre-back Williamson's fitness after she rolled her ankle in extra time of Thursday's dramatic last-eight shoot-out victory over Sweden, but the Arsenal defender – alongside every other member of the squad – trained with the team on Monday morning.
Carter, in a statement shared to her accounts on several platforms on Sunday, said she would be 'taking a step back' from social media, while Football Association CEO Mark Bullingham confirmed his organisation has involved UK police.
Asked if she expected to have a full complement available for the semi in Geneva, England boss Wiegman said: 'That's what it looks like, yeah.'
And pressed further on what Williamson's readiness push said about her skipper, the Dutch boss replied: 'It says she really wants to play, and she did everything to recover as good as possible, and she has, so she could be training today.
'When she recovers well, she's available tomorrow.'
England midfielder Georgia Stanway added: 'She's our captain. We would like her on the pitch as much as possible. She leads in communication and in performance, so to have her on the pitch is obviously what England need.'
Williamson and Carter have both started every game of England's European title defence in Switzerland.
On the abuse received by Carter, Wiegman said it was 'really sad that we have to be occupied by this. It's ridiculous. It's disgusting what's happening, and that goes beyond football, so we had to pay attention to that and support Jess.'
Wiegman said she has had 'conversations' with Carter about her involvement in Tuesday's contest, adding: 'Although it's a hard situation, Jess is a very strong person, and she wants to move on, too, but she also felt, and so did we, that we had to address this.
'You can't just let it go. So she did, we did, and then we know that there's a match going on and we want to perform. We're ready to perform. She's ready to perform and compete, and that says a lot about her and about the team.'
The Lionesses have collectively decided to stop 'taking the knee' ahead of kick-off, a symbolic anti-racism gesture that has become increasingly widespread, explaining in a statement on Monday: 'It is clear we and football need to find another way to tackle racism.'
Stanway said: 'I think it's just to change it up. We felt like the knee was just a little repetitive. We felt like it comes to a point where the knee isn't doing what we want it to do. So now our decision is to stand, and hopefully that will bring up more conversation and get (people) talking about the topic.'
England, fifth in the world, are eight places higher in FIFA's global rankings than Tuesday's opponents, and are unbeaten in all five of their recent meetings with Italy – all friendlies – with four wins, including last year's 5-1 victory.
But though statistics may be on the defending champions' side, Wiegman said: 'I think it would be really disrespectful to Italy to think that we're the favourites.
'Complacency is just the biggest mistake you could make. We've seen how they've played. I don't think there's anything that we could think that we might be the favourite, but we have to be at our very, very best to win the game.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Times
29 minutes ago
- New York Times
Behind Aaron Rodgers, Rudolph perfects the art of staying ready: Steelers training camp observations
LATROBE, Pa. — Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph knows quite well how the twists and turns of the season can lead to an unexpected opportunity. In 2023, he was buried on the depth chart as the third quarterback behind Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky. Thinking his career could be coming to an end, he began exploring opportunities in real estate and started planning for life after football. Then, an injury to Pickett and ineffective run by Trubisky thrust Rudolph into a starting role, where he led an improbable three-game winning streak to help the Steelers qualify for the playoffs. Advertisement 'You're sitting at third string on the depth chart, a lot has to happen for you to get on the field. And a lot did happen that year,' Rudolph said. 'I'm grateful to God for giving me that window of opportunity.' On Saturday, opportunity once again presented itself, albeit in a much lower-stakes environment: For a light practice without pads, Mike Tomlin gave Aaron Rodgers and many other veterans the day off. The decision gave Rudolph the chance to work extensively with the first-team offense. 'You just try to do the best you can with them,' Rudolph said. 'I thought we had a good day and moved the ball, took care of the ball. It's always a quick turnaround with the Friday night (practice) and then getting yourself up for this one. But I thought the guys came out with a lot of energy.' When Rudolph signed a two-year deal with the Steelers this offseason, he sat atop the depth chart for several months and ran the show as QB1 during the first two weeks of OTAs. However, when Rodgers signed, Rudolph slid into a more familiar role as a backup. His job this season? Remain ready. Considering Rodgers' age and injury history, Rudolph being prepared to step in at a moment's notice could be critical. 'When you get in the season, are you studying more?' Rudolph said. 'Because you're not getting the physical reps, so are you doing more, doubling down on the mental work and the walk-through reps and stealing any throws you can get after practice? That's the way to be ready when you're called upon in the NFL as a backup quarterback to make sure you're sharp and you're not just coasting through the year, because you never know when your opportunity is going to come.' Throughout camp, Rudolph has been more than sharp when working against the second-team defense. During Friday Night Lights, he had unquestionably the best throw of the practice when he threaded the needle on a deep ball between two defenders and into the waiting hands of tight end Jonnu Smith. On Saturday, Rudolph began his day 1-for-3 in the Seven Shots drill. His touchdown came when the defense lost tight end Darnell Washington in coverage; Rudolph placed the ball well, putting it where only Washington's outstretched arms could catch it. In 11-on-11 drills, Rudolph's biggest completion came when Scotty Miller won on a whip route and then outraced cornerback Darius Slay for a massive gain. Then in a red-zone period, Rudolph connected with Connor Heyward on a slant just as the tight end was crossing the goal line. Advertisement While Rudolph is quite familiar with Saint Vincent College, saying it feels like 'home,' he's now in a new offense coordinated by Arthur Smith. He's been working in camp to pick up the playbook and master the new concepts. 'I think you try to fit the concepts that you have to the players,' Rudolph said. 'I think Arthur's done a good job of that. I watched all the games from last year with the overlays and the play tags… There's been a good many different concepts that have been installed, whether they had that last year, they just didn't fit the style. But I'm comfortable with what we got in. I think the guys have been executing it well.' While Rodgers' signing pushed Rudolph down the depth chart, he's embraced the opportunity to learn from a four-time MVP and Super Bowl champion. 'I had a buddy send me a video and (he) said, 'Bro, your eyes are glazing over talking about Aaron Rodgers, so relax, take it easy,'' Rudolph joked. 'But it's been great. He's been very helpful and just very friendly and open to questions — whether that be football or non-football, talking about his experiences over the years. (I'm) really enjoying it and trying to pick up anything I can from him. He's forgotten more football than most of us will ever know. It's a great resource.' Tomlin is a man of many sayings. One of the most popular among his players is 'don't get beat to the flat' — he's said it so many times that they printed up shirts that say DGBTTF. When shifty running back Kenneth Gainwell, the former Eagle, burned the Steelers last season, the team took note and signed him this offseason. 'He's good inside the backfield,' Tomlin said. 'He's good out of the backfield. He's a good route runner. He's a good outside-zone runner. He's got a well-rounded game. That's one of the reasons we were excited about acquiring him.' Advertisement Throughout camp, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith — who loves versatile players who can line up in different positions — has been deploying Gainwell in a variety of roles, including outside as a receiver. 'I've been doing this since I was seven, running routes,' Gainwell said. 'It's just something that I get to display in the NFL and on a different level.' The Steelers have an excellent cover linebacker in Payton Wilson, who ran a 4.43 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Combine, the fastest of any player at his position. Tomlin has often matched up Gainwell against Wilson, including on numerous reps Saturday. The strength-on-strength matchup has made for many must-watch, competitive reps. On Saturday, Gainwell got the better of Wilson for the most part. Wilson is outstanding in coverage and has held up well against small, speedy backs, but Gainwell began the day winning on an out route. Later, referees called a holding penalty on Wilson after Gainwell won on a wheel route. 'I think it's a great challenge having a great linebacker who can cover real good,' Gainwell said. 'That's challenging myself, too. I'm embracing that challenge to go continue to get him better each and every day and get me better too.' The Steelers' cornerback room has been a position group in transition this offseason. The numerous additions include Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, Brandin Echols and seventh-round pick Donte Kent. All those moves pushed James Pierre down the depth chart — and possibly off the 53-man roster. However, over the last two days, Pierre has forced the coaching staff to notice him. During Friday Night Lights, Pierre ended the two-minute drill (and the practice) with an interception of Rudolph. On Saturday, that ball-hawking prowess continued during one-on-one periods: Pierre intercepted Rudolph and Howard. Pierre also was all over Scotty Miller on the first rep of Seven Shots to force an incompletion. Advertisement As it stands, the top three corners — Ramsey, Slay and Porter — will be on the field a lot together. Echols, who has had a strong camp of his own, was playing second-team reps opposite Cory Trice Jr. However, on Friday Trice sustained a hamstring injury that could keep him out for more than a couple practices. So far, Pierre is taking full advantage of his opportunity. He could end up being one of the tougher decisions for the Steelers, as he provides good special teams value but also sits on the roster's fringe. It's hard to say now if he'll be on the 53-man roster, a decision that could be impacted by Trice's health, special teams math and if the Steelers believe they can sneak the 28-year-old Pierre onto the practice squad. Speaking of injuries creating opportunities, the defensive line has been hit particularly hard. On Saturday, the Steelers placed veteran Dean Lowry on injured reserve; Lowry very likely would have made the 53-man roster. In a corresponding move, the Steelers called up Breiden Fehoko, a 28-year-old who spent the last couple seasons on the practice squad. On Saturday, Fehoko walked into the meeting room to get, well, a unique reaction from his teammates. 'I got boos,' Fehoko laughed. 'But good boos. It's great being around the guys, the camaraderie. Believe it or not, you kind of miss Latrobe a little bit. I (was) at home, changing diapers and stuff, doing Target runs with the wife. I get a call to go to Latrobe. I'm on that plane.' As it currently stands, Fehoko probably is still slated for a practice-squad role. The Steelers kept eight defensive linemen out of camp last year. Cameron Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, rookie Yahya Black, Logan Lee, Daniel Ekuale and Isaiahh Loudermilk seem like the seven most-likely candidates to make the team. It's possible the Steelers only keep seven. If they keep eight, DeMarvin Leal, who has been playing a lot of outside linebacker, and offseason addition Esezi Otomewo are two more contenders on the fringe. That said, Fehoko lost about 30-to-35 pounds this offseason. Changing his body could add some versatility to his game, as he goes from just a run-stuffing nose tackle to a more mobile interior lineman who might be able to line up at the 3-4 defensive end position, as well. Advertisement 'Two years ago, when I first got to Pittsburgh Steelers, I was this submarine plugger, and I could barely move side to side,' Fehoko said. 'Now my body feels great. I feel so much more leaner.' My guess is Fehoko still ends up on the practice squad, but we'll see. 1. Pierre was all over Miller, forcing an incomplete pass from Rudolph (1-0, defense) 2. Washington got lost in coverage and caught a touchdown from Rudolph in the corner of the end zone (1-1) 3. Inside linebacker Cole Holcomb broke up a pass intended for Pat Freiermuth (2-1, defense) 4. With Will Howard at QB, nickel Beanie Bishop broke up a pass intended for Ben Skowronek (3-1, defense) 5. Howard connected with Brandon Johnson on a slant (3-2, defense) 6. Skylar Thompson threw incomplete for tight end Kevin Foelsch (4-2, defense) 7. Thompson threw incomplete for running back Max Hurleman (5-2, defense) Tomlin said Trice (hamstring) and tackle Calvin Anderson have soft-tissue injuries that could keep them out 'more than a few days.' While Pierre stepped up in Trice's absence, versatile lineman Spencer Anderson was deployed as a left tackle… On the flip side, Tomlin said he expects Calvin Austin III, Benton, Otomewo, fullback/ TE DJ Thomas-Jones, backup center Ryan McCollum and Porter back 'very soon.' The coach categorized all those players as 'day to day.' The Steelers will hold family day on Sunday and plan to be in pads. Traditionally, this is the time in camp when Tomlin likes to do short-yardage and goal-line drills. It could be a big day for the men in the trenches.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on the brink? Besiktas line up replacement just six months after appointing Man Utd legend
Solskjaer could be on his way out Recent defeat to Shakhtar has put him under the scanner Two candidates are already on their shortlist Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱 WHAT HAPPENED? Solskjaer's early days in charge saw a promising run of results that brought renewed optimism to fans. The team secured victories in six of their first eight fixtures under his leadership, including an impressive derby win over rivals Fenerbahce. THE BIGGER PICTURE However, consistency has since become an issue. The initial momentum has faded, with results turning mixed and performances lacking cohesion. The recent 4-2 defeat to Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round has only intensified scrutiny on the former Premier League manager. DID YOU KNOW? Fabrizio Romano suggests that Nuri Sahin, the former Borussia Dortmund player and manager, has entered serious contention to take over the managerial reins at Besiktas. Sahin's name has gained traction within the club's hierarchy, particularly due to his tactical acumen and deep familiarity with Turkish football. What adds fuel to the speculation is Sahin's recent appearance at a Besiktas game. Fans noted his presence in the stands as a possible indication of behind-the-scenes discussions already taking place. In addition to potentially becoming head coach, there are whispers that Sahin might also take on influence over transfer activity, a role that some within Besiktas believe should not be entrusted to Solskjaer alone. WHAT NEXT FOR BESIKTAS? Alongside Sahin, another familiar figure has emerged in the conversation, former Besiktas boss Sergen Yalcin. Having previously led the team to domestic success, Yalcin remains a popular figure among sections of the fanbase and is reportedly open to a return. Serdal Adali, president of Besiktas, is believed to be evaluating all possibilities as he considers how best to guide the club back to winning ways. The pressure to make the right call is immense, especially with fans expecting progress both in Europe and the Turkish Super Lig this season.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Liverpool leave massive clue star player is LEAVING
Liverpool have just left a massive clue that their star player is leaving the club. Adidas have finally returned to be the Reds' kit manufacturer after more than ten years away. You may have missed it with all the excitement but the launch of the new kit also left a major clue over the fate of one Reds star in particular. Shop the LFC Store LFC x adidas Shop the away range TODAY LFC x adidas Shop the home range today! LFC x adidas Shop the goalkeeper range today LFC x adidas Shop the new adidas range today! Notably, you will have seen a lot of the club's players missing from the kit launch. Out of the big stars the likes of Andy Robertson, Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo and Ibrahima Konate did not feature in the launch. Alisson Becker was also featured very sparsely in order to promote the goalkeeper kit. This is not a surprise. With the exception of Gakpo who is sponsored by Puma, the rest of the players are Nike athletes and therefore they will not have been able to participate in the kit launch. Virgil van Dijk who is also a Nike athlete, was a rare exception, he must have been given permission to appear in the advert given his status as a club captain. 🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas away range from 9am TODAY There's a strong rivalry between the two brands, which is why for example when Nike were doing kit launches someone like Mohamed Salah, who is a prominent adidas athlete did not feature in the promotional advertisements. But while the notable Nike and Puma absentees are to be expected there was a notable adidas exemptions in the promotional material. Darwin Nunez is an adidas athlete after switching over from Nike last season. In pre-season, he has been spotted wearing the latest adidas F50s, which suggests that he still remains an adidas athlete. Yet, he was nowhere to be seen in the promotional material for the new shirt, which is a surprise given the fact that he is a prominent and star player for the Reds.
