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The Independent
12 minutes ago
- The Independent
The England shirts to buy ahead of the Euro final
Setting out to defend the title they won in 2022, the England Lionesses are through to the finals of the Women's Euro 2025. Held for the first time in Switzerland, the tournament will conclude on Sunday, 27 July. Fresh from defeating Wales and Sweden, England came out on top against Italy in a tense match that went into extra time. Staging a last-minute comeback, teenage striker Michelle Agyemang came off the bench to equalise in the 96th minute of the game. The 19-year-old went on to score England's second goal that sent them into the Women's Euro final. Captain Sarina Wiegman's side secured their place in history when they claimed the trophy, which was England's first-ever major women's European Championship win. Defeating Germany 2-1 in the final match at Wembley Stadium, the team brought the title home with celebrations among football fans across the country. If you're hoping for similar glory in the Women's Euro 2025, you can cheer on the Lionesses with the best merch. From team kits and shirts to the Euro25 ball and UEFA mascot, we've rounded up the best merchandise to shop now. Inspired by vintage sportswear and various Lioness kits from tournaments past, this Nike shirt is designed with sweat-wicking technology to keep you comfortable while playing. The England 2025 home design uses a colourful red and blue ombre with blue panelling and the Nike and England logos. It's no surprise that Nineties bucket hats have returned this summer. The unisex style boasts a blue and red printed design with the England logo taking pride of place on the front. It could just as easily be worn to the Oasis Live tour – if you're one of the lucky masses that secured tickets. Another retro throwback, this windrunner nods to the original 80s design with an English twist. Made from 75% recycled fibres, it's great for evening kick-offs once the sun goes down. This Nike jacket for the Euros boasts a fun burgundy and navy all-over print, complete with a funnel neck and zip-up design. The English rose detailing nods to the football team, while there's also an England and Nike logo on the front. The relaxed fit makes it perfect for year-round off-duty wear. This oversized T-shirt is a laidback way to show your support for the England team in the Women's Euro tournament 2025, whether at home or away. The black design features the signature Nike tick with 'Lioness' typography above.
BBC News
13 minutes ago
- BBC News
Tandy's Wales in-tray as he takes on top job
So Wales finally have their Tandy has been installed as the new permanent men's head coach more than five months after the departure of Warren Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) had to get Tandy released from his contract with Scotland, where he was defence has been given a three-year deal and the media will hear from the man himself in early August before he officially starts work on 1 is taking on a huge task as he begins a job WRU chief executive Abi Tierney says he felt he was "destined" Tandy returns to a Welsh rugby system in crisis, BBC Sport examines what will be in his in-tray. Backroom boys One of the the first things Tandy must do is assemble his backroom director of rugby and elite performance Dave Reddin says that will not be solely Tandy's responsibility, and will instead be more a collaborative effort between the two of boss Matt Sheratt was the interim head coach between Gatland and Wilson, Adam Jones, Gethin Jenkins, Rhys Thomas and Leigh Halfpenny were Sherratt's lieutenants in Japan after Gatland's old backroom staff of Jonathan Humphreys, Mike Forshaw, Rob Howley, Alex King and Neil Jenkins were stood has been identified as a potential attack expert within Tandy's set-up while the WRU was impressed with the other coaches, although the majority of them are contracted to and Jones are head coach and scrum coach at Harlequins respectively, Gethin Jenkins is in the Cardiff set-up, while Thomas is involved at acknowledged there might need to be some interim appointments for the autumn series as the WRU negotiates to get the people it stressed long-term, though, being involved with the men's set-up was not a part-time position."Working with the Wales national team is a full-time job," said Reddin."No-one is coming here for a rest from club rugby. This is full-on. That's the only way we're going to drive success moving forward." A testing autumn schedule Wales have turned to Tandy to arrest a slide that has seen them finish bottom of the last two Six Nations Championships and plummet down the world rankings to will face a baptism of fire in his opening campaign, with his first match against Argentina on 9 November and further games against Japan, New Zealand and world champions South will be the final matches before the draw for the 2027 World Cup is made in December. Tandy and Wales will know they will at least need to stay in that top 12 of the rankings to ensure a more favourable draw."I don't want to get hung up about results in the autumn, but it's going to be a brilliant benchmark for us as Steve starts his reign," said Reddin."That will give us a clear indication of where we are as we start to plan for the 2027 World Cup and beyond."Tandy will not be weighed down, at least, by Wales' record 18-match losing Test run, which was halted by victory over Japan in Kobe this month. Collaboration and cooperation One of the reasons Tandy has been chosen - rather than a proven national head coach with previous experience - is his understanding of the Welsh spent six years with Ospreys before leaving Welsh rugby in 2018 to take roles with the Waratahs, Scotland and the British and Irish knows the professional set-up and is expected to have a more unified approach than Gatland."Collaboration is a quality Steve has," said Reddin."That's something we want to embody across the whole system because it should be a fundamental competitive advantage for Wales."Tandy will recognise the domestic situation has deteriorated rapidly since he WRU is considering halving the number of teams in Wales in the men's professional game after admitting the current funding model is governing body announced in May it would move away from the framework of four evenly-funded clubs after Ospreys and Scarlets did not sign up to its new Professional Rugby the union has announced it will enter into formal consultation with Wales' four regional clubs and other key stakeholders that will lead to a domestic restructure by the 2027-28 season, with a decision on the plan expected by this could mean fewer teams and job losses, meaning Tandy will have to deal with the uncertainty his players face when he brings them together. An impossible job? Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend was disappointed to lose Tandy, whose appointment has split opinion on social range from people being underwhelmed to others saying he is the right man at the right 45, knows Welsh rugby always provokes debate and the former no-nonsense flanker will need a thick skin to deal with the have gone as far as to suggest this is an impossible job. Reddin disagrees."From my perspective, I don't think it's impossible at all," said Reddin."Are Wales going to be consistently ranked as the number one team in the world for the next 10 years? No, I don't think so."But can we be a genuine, top-five nation who are constantly competing for Six Nations titles, capable of mixing it with the best in the world? 100%. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here."Tandy will have to win over the doubters and the only way to do that, in the long-term, will be by delivering results. Given the dire situation Tandy is inheriting, that will be the ultimate test, with former Wales captain Jonathan Davies saying he needs says he hopes to provide Tandy with the tools to succeed."I don't think anybody gets inspired by a team that says, 'well, we're going to rock up and do our best'," said Reddin."Especially a passionate rugby nation like Wales, we've got to be more ambitious than that. Passion on its own is not enough, it's useless."You've got to get all the other bits right as well. If you've got those bits right, the passion can carry you somewhere special."Welsh rugby will hope Tandy will be the man to deliver on such bold sentiments.
The Sun
13 minutes ago
- The Sun
Ex-Premier League star ‘drowned in pool in Greece on day before he was due to fly back to UK for son's first birthday'
A FORMER Premier League star drowned in his pool in Greece on the day before he was due to fly back to the UK for his son's birthday, an inquest heard. George Baldock was discovered at his home in Athens in October where he had been living after signing for Panathinaikos. 3 A coroner today ruled the death of the 31-year-old, who had previously played for MK Dons and Sheffield United, was an accident. The inquest in Buckinghamshire was told no evidence of criminal activity was found by Greek police. A post mortem also found no drugs or alcohol in his system, with his cause of death given as drowning. It also showed Baldock had a very large heart "that would have meant that he was susceptible to heart arrythmias" - meaning his heart beat too fast or slow. The court heard the defender had played a club fixture just three days before the horror. Baldock had also tragically been due to fly home to the UK the following day to celebrate his son's first birthday. Previous reports said his worried partner had raised the alarm after she struggled to track him down. The owner of the house in the Glyfada area of Athens then discovered Baldock in the pool. Attempts were made to resuscitate the footballer but tragically he couldn't be saved. His family said: "George, you were the most special father, fiance, son, brother, uncle, friend, team-mate and person. "Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those that were fortunate enough to know you and those that adored you from the stands. "We will forever cherish the special memories we have of you and you will continue to live on in your beautiful son." Although he was born in England, Baldock played for Greece 12 times through his nan's heritage. After graduating from MK Dons' youth academy, he had stints at Oxford United, Tamworth and Northampton Town. Baldock moved to Sheffield United in 2017 and made more than 219 appearances for the club. He earned the nickname Furious George due to his aggressive all-action style. The footballer left the club in 2024 to sign for Panathinaikos, where he made four appearances before his tragic death. Tributes flooded in for Baldock following the horror, including from Manchester United star Harry Maguire, who graduated through the Blades' youth team before leaving in 2014. He posted a picture of Baldock on his Instagram page with a broken heart emoji. Panathinaikos said in a statement: "We are shocked by the loss of our George. "The family of Panathinaikos mourns his untimely death. We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock." While Sheffield United said: "Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock. "The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with supporters, staff and team-mates who pulled on a red and white shirt alongside him. "The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United are extended to George's family and friends." 3 3
