logo
Palmer given hero's reception on St Kitts visit

Palmer given hero's reception on St Kitts visit

BBC News6 days ago
Cole Palmer was given a hero's welcome on Monday when he arrived in St Kitts for the first time, fresh from playing a starring role in Chelsea beating Paris St-Germain to win the Club World Cup in the United States.The Caribbean island is the birthplace of his grandfather, Sterry, and Palmer wears the flag of St Kitts and Nevis - alongside the England flag - on his football boots to honour his family's roots.Deputy prime minister Geoffrey Hanley and tourism minister Marsha T Henderson greeted the 23-year-old and his family at the airport alongside traditional Masquerade performers.
Palmer said: "Landing in St Kitts off the back of winning the Club World Cup felt really special. It's where my grandad's love for football started. The island is beautiful and really chilled. I can't wait to explore the mountains, rainforest and sea - and to try out the food."Terrance Drew, St Kitts' prime minister, added: "Cole Palmer's visit to St Kitts and Nevis is a powerful reminder of the strength and pride of our diaspora."His presence and mentorship will inspire the next generation to believe that global success is possible, no matter where you come from. We are proud to welcome him home and deeply grateful for his commitment to our young people and to the development of sports in our federation."
Henderson said: "The Palmers already have a special connection to the island and that will only grow as they spend time exploring our lush rainforests, picturesque mountains and stunning waters, and savouring our rich culture and cuisine."
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

England substitutes click again as Lionesses reach Euro 2025 final
England substitutes click again as Lionesses reach Euro 2025 final

The Independent

time20 minutes ago

  • The Independent

England substitutes click again as Lionesses reach Euro 2025 final

Super-sub Chloe Kelly fired England into the Euro 2025 final in extra time as the defending champions completed another spectacular comeback to beat Italy 2-1 in Geneva. Barbara Bonansea stunned the England support into silence when she opened the scoring in the 33rd minute for the underdog Italians, who had reached their first European semi-final in 28 years. The Lionesses, in their sixth straight major tournament final four appearance, were on the brink of elimination when 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang once again came off the bench and rescued Sarina Wiegman's side with a second-half stoppage-time equaliser. England were gifted a penalty late in the second period of extra time and, though Kelly's initial attempt was saved, the Arsenal forward made no mistake with her second opportunity when she emphatically buried the rebound.

England fight back to down Italy in extra time and reach Euro 2025 final
England fight back to down Italy in extra time and reach Euro 2025 final

Reuters

time20 minutes ago

  • Reuters

England fight back to down Italy in extra time and reach Euro 2025 final

GENEVA, July 22 (Reuters) - Chloe Kelly fired home the rebound from her own penalty to net a 119th-minute winner as reigning champions England pulled off a stunning comeback to beat Italy 2-1 after extra time on Tuesday and reach the Women's European Championship final. England fell behind in the first half but hit back to level through Michelle Agyemang six minutes into second-half stoppage time and when Emma Severini pulled down Beth Mead in the box in extra time, Kelly grabbed the chance to decide the game. Her first effort was saved but she was quick off the mark to rifle in the rebound and send England through to the final where they will face either Spain or Germany. With the Italians riding a wave of confidence after a last-minute winner against Norway in their quarter-final, they defended brilliantly and attacked incisively on the break. Their persistence paid off in the 33rd minute of a gritty semi-final when a ball from the right found its way to Barbara Bonansea, who took a touch before lashing it into the roof of the net. England then dominated possession and created a slew of chances as the Italians rode their luck, but too often the English attackers unleashed shots from distance that were easily dealt with or flew harmlessly over the bar. With their hopes of defending their title slowly slipping away, 19-year-old substitute Agyemang snapped up a loose ball in the box and fired home to send the game to extra time. Agyemang almost scored again with an effort deep into the second half of extra time, out-sprinting and out-muscling the Italian defence only to see her deft lob towards goal bounce back off the crossbar. Sensing that they could avoid a repeat of their quarter-final penalty shootout against Sweden, England poured forward and reaped their reward when Mead was fouled in the box, but there was one more twist in the tale. Kelly took her usual prancing run-up, but Italy keeper Laura Giuliani kept her nerve and saved, only for the England winger to score from the follow-up and seal her side's spot in Sunday's final in Basel.

England 2-1 Italy: Women's Euro 2025 semi-final player ratings
England 2-1 Italy: Women's Euro 2025 semi-final player ratings

The Guardian

time20 minutes ago

  • The Guardian

England 2-1 Italy: Women's Euro 2025 semi-final player ratings

England Hannah Hampton Looked strong aerially and made a crucial save on 86 minutes, keeping England alive. 7 Lucy Bronze Made good runs but lacked a decisive pass. Had a header cleared off the line. 6 Leah Williamson Defended some awkward bouncing balls well. Sacrificed when England went for the jugular late in normal time. 6 Esme Morgan Looked very composed, did well to halt several Italy breaks and fully justified her inclusion. 7 Alex Greenwood Beaten for Italy's opener. Did not find her passing range. Defended well in extra time. 6 Keira Walsh Tried and tried to get England going, spreading the ball wide in the second half whenever she could. 6 Georgia Stanway Tougher and more energetic in the second half after a relatively quiet first half. 6 Ella Toone Plenty of good movement, again. Adventurous in attack but lacked that killer final ball. 6 Lauren James Had a good chance saved. Never quite found top gear. Unfortunately withdrawn with an injury. 6 Alessia Russo Not afforded any room by Italy's three centre-backs. Perhaps tired after playing 120 minutes last time. 6 Lauren Hemp Found space but could not find her crossing range. Lacked composure in front of goal. 5 Substitutes Beth Mead (James, h-t) Did well despite being asked to switch inside and play out of position in midfield again. 6; Chloe Kelly (Stanway, 77) Should have been brought on a lot sooner. 8; Michelle Agyemang (Williamson, 85) Is 19 years of age too young to receive a damehood? She was simply outstanding. 9; Aggie Beever-Jones (Russo, 85) Headed wide at the end of second-half stoppage time but it was merely a half-chance. 6; Grace Clinton (Walsh, 106) 6; Jess Carter (Greenwood, 120) 6 Italy Laura Giuliani Saved well from James early on. Dealt well with England's crosses. Parried the late penalty. 7 Elisabetta Oliviero Looked very quick over 10 yards. Defended well against Hemp when they battled one-on-one. 7 Martina Lenzini A decent performance to help frustrate England before she was replaced after 89 minutes. 6 Cecilia Salvai Looked strong for the first 80 minutes but she was outperformed by Agyemang after the striker's introduction. 6 Elena Linari Showed good strength and anticipation for an hour. Poor foul meant she was deservedly booked. 7 View image in fullscreen Italy contest the award of the late penalty that led to England's winning goal. Photograph: Piroschka Van De Wouw/Reuters Lucia Di Guglielmo Had a very good game initially but was powerless to stop Kelly's mazy runs. 7 Sofia Cantore Skilful player. Denied by a second-half Hampton save, although it was straight at the keeper. 7 Arianna Caruso A terrific player who had a very impressive tournament. Good signing for Bayern Munich. 7 Manuela Giugliano Helped stop England's midfield clicking into gear for much of the contest. Clever, technical player. 7 Barbara Bonansea Took her goal superbly. Italy were notably weaker once she was taken off in the 73rd minute. 7 Cristiana Girelli Linked play superbly. Looked heartbroken to go off injured, which changed the game. 7 Substitutes Martina Piemonte (Girelli, 64) Put herself about. Headed over with a half-chance. 7; Michela Cambiaghi (Cantore, 73) 6; Emma Severini (Bonansea, 73) 6; Julie Piga (Lenzini, 89) 6; Giada Greggi (Giugliano, 89) 6

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store