Thursday's briefing: Lionesses roar back and PSG continue to look the real deal
The pass. The finish. 😍
A beautiful strike from Lauren James to give us the lead 🤌 pic.twitter.com/5J7esOthn1
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 9, 2025
Lauren James' double helped England secure a resounding 4-0 victory over the Netherlands in Zurich to keep their European Championship title defence alive.
Defeat to France in the tournament opener had all-but ensured the Lionesses would need three points to avoid crashing out at the group stage and, with Prince William in attendance at the Stadion Letzigrund, James got them off to a great start with a stunning 22nd-minute opener.
Alessia Russo earned the assist and added another when Georgia Stanway doubled England's lead in first-half stoppage time before James made it three on the hour.
Ella Toone, the lone fresh face in Sarina Wiegman's starting XI, got on the scoresheet seven minutes later with a fourth, ensuring England – who will finish the group stage against tournament newcomers Wales – are now in prime position to punch their ticket to the quarter-finals.
France are set to go through as group winners after a 4-1 win over Wales, who are on the verge of going home.
🏴 @ChelseaFC 🆚 @PSG_inside 🇫🇷🗓️ Sunday 13th July 2025🏟️ MetLife Stadium
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) July 9, 2025
European champions Paris St Germain produced a blistering performance to power into the Club World Cup final with a 4-0 rout of Real Madrid.
A one-sided semi-final in New York on Wednesday was effectively settled inside the opening 24 minutes as Fabian Ruiz struck twice either side of an Ousmane Dembele effort.
Spanish giants Real had no answer to the rampant Champions League winners, who added a fourth goal at the MetLife Stadium late on through Goncalo Ramos.
PSG – who will play Chelsea in Sunday's final – were every bit as hot as the temperature, which reached 32C during the game.
Lord Sebastian Coe has been given a leading role in delivering Manchester United's new stadium.
Lord Coe, who chaired London's 2012 Olympic and Paralympic bid, has been appointed as chair-designate of the Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) for the Old Trafford Regeneration project.
The former International Olympic Committee president previously chaired a task force set up by United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to look at stadium options for United amid a wider regeneration of the surrounding area.
He will now play a key part in the development of the 100,000-seater stadium, which Ratcliffe wants to be the 'Wembley of the north'.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has been sentenced to a year in prison for tax evasion, Spanish news agency EFE has reported.
The 66-year-old Italian has also been fined 386,361.93 Euros – around £333,000 – for failing to pay tax on revenue raised from his image rights during his first spell as Real Madrid manager between 2013 and 2015.
However, it appears unlikely that Ancelotti will serve jail time as non-violent crimes committed by defendants who have no previous convictions are often met with suspended sentences.
Nous restons en Ligue 1 🔴🔵
L'Olympique Lyonnais se félicite de la décision, rendue ce jour par la DNCG, de maintenir le Club en Ligue 1.
— Olympique Lyonnais (@OL) July 9, 2025
Lyon have won their appeal against relegation to the French second division, a decision which puts Crystal Palace's participation in next season's Europa League in major doubt.
Palace thought they had secured a place in Europe's second-tier club competition thanks to their FA Cup final win over Manchester City in May but uncertainty quickly arose as to whether they would be allowed to enter due to UEFA's multi-club ownership rules.
Outgoing Palace shareholder John Textor has an interest in French club Lyon, who qualified for the same competition.
Lyon had reached a settlement with UEFA agreeing to be excluded from European competitions next season if their relegation was confirmed on appeal, a move which would almost certainly have meant Palace could play in the Europa League.
However, Lyon's success and higher league position means Palace are set to be moved down to the Conference League. Sources close to UEFA had previously indicated that Nottingham Forest would take the English spot in the Europa League vacated by Palace.
The group stages of Euro 2025 continues as Group A concludes with hosts Switzerland taking on Finland and Norway playing Iceland.
Elsewhere, the early qualifiers for the Europa League and Europa Conference League kick off, with St Patrick's Athletic and Northern Irish side Larne in action.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
39 minutes ago
- BBC News
Molineux to get extra cabins for broadcast crew and match tech
Plans at Molineux Stadium for cabins to accommodate broadcast crew and match technology have been Wanderers submitted proposals for a cabin that would contain a small kitchen area and seating to provide "improved welfare facilities" for broadcast workers, adjacent to existing facilities. A second cabin would contain an operations and storage area for match technology, in line with Premier League requirements, the club's application for the facilities were granted on Wednesday as the council believed there would be no impact to the local area or highway safety. The new so-called welfare cabin would create space for up to 20 said the improved facilities were a requirement by the Premier League for the 2025/26 proposals said the layout had been designed to allow for "both the best use of the available area" while maintaining "easy and functional use of the car parking area [and] matchday outside broadcasting compound."To finish off the installation, the application continued, the cabins would be painted black to match the dark grey brickwork of where they would be placed."The proposal is in keeping with the existing surroundings within Molineux Stadium," the application stated. Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Chelsea's three new ‘leaders' identified in Enzo Maresca's revolutionised squad
Chelsea have the youngest squad in the Premier League, but one former fan favourite at Stamford Bridge has identified three players ready to embrace leader roles for the Blues Former Chelsea skipper Gary Cahill has pinpointed the future leaders of the club after he himself evolved into a role of responsibility at Stamford Bridge. The two-time Premier League -winner arrived to little fanfare when he joined Chelsea from Bolton in January 2012, but supporters grew to love Cahill for his commitment to the cause. Enzo Maresca 's side boasted the youngest squad in the Premier League last season. Chelsea had with an average age of just 23.6 years – almost a full year less than nearest rivals Brighton. A heavy representation of youth often comes with a shortfall in leadership, however, and could be one area in which the drive to recruit young prospects hurts the club in the short term. Cahill, who clinched the Champions League in his first six months at Chelsea, matured into a commanding figure during his seven-year tenure in west London. And the club ambassador pinpointed the prospects under Maresca whom he believes have what it takes to lead the Blues' latest resurgence. "I think Levi [Colwill]. He's one of them," he told courtesy of BetMGM. "I remember doing a TV game [as a pundit], and I questioned him on that, because I felt that it's definitely his next string to his bow now. He's playing at a level that's top, and now you can add that other side to you, that other character in terms of leadership. "He can 100% be one of those leaders and that focal point. I had a different upbringing when I was at Chelsea. Like you said, I [joined] fully established international serial winners. I came into that, and I was the one that wasn't that. "I was the one that had to learn and listen and grow into that role. I did that at an older age than what Levi is now, so for sure, he can do the same thing." Colwill, 22, was long marked out by Chelsea's academy chiefs as a future linchpin for the senior squad. His impressive loan stint at Brighton, who tried to sign the player permanently, followed by his consistency in defence for Maresca has already made him a favourite among fans. It was a moment to savour when the four-time England international netted the decisive goal against Nottingham Forest to ensuring Chelsea's spot in the Champions League on the final day last season. Having worn the captain's armband for the first time in December 2023 at just 20, he has also led the team during their triumphant Club World Cup run this summer. Colwill has shuffled between defensive roles but now seems to have cemented his place in central defence for Chelsea. Yet he's not the only definite starter tipped by Cahill, who hung up his boots in 2022, to spur the club onto the next level. "I think Moises Caicedo, I think he has that," added the 39-year-old. "Again, just knowing him around, speaking to players, the way that he conducts himself around the training ground, the way he trains, the levels he demands. I think he's already got that with the sounds of it. "Obviously, you've got Enzo [Fernandez]. He's one of the experienced players there, who can bring a lot. There's a few in and amongst that, and I feel like that's the challenge now for some of these younger players coming through who are playing regularly to take that next level." The situation becomes rather more complex when considering neither Caicedo, 23, nor Fernandez, 24, speak English as their mother tongue. Yet both midfield mavericks have demonstrated deeds on the pitch frequently carry far greater weight than words can. World Cup champion Fernandez and Caicedo, who have each captained Chelsea at points already, experienced their share of growing pains since joining for a combined £222million. Nevertheless, both were crucial figures last term after clocking up 101 appearances between them, delivering their finest campaigns in blue to date. It's hardly shocking the duo have become so indispensable considering their eye-watering price tags. Yet modern football has repeatedly shown us massive outlay doesn't necessarily translate into bang for one's buck. Chelsea have shaped their own leader and potential club captain in Colwill. However, Cahill is also encouraged to see players like Fernandez and Caicedo, who was the target of controversial criticism from Paul Scholes, demonstrating their value, and hopes they continue to do so for years to come. Gary Cahill was speaking on behalf of BetMGM. You could win over £27m today with MGM Millions. BeGambleAware 18+ Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
Sylvia Gore - A football pioneer in England and Wales
If she were still alive, Sylvia Gore would no doubt have looked on proudly when England and Wales face each other at Euro in football for over 60 years, Gore has been described as a pioneer and a champion of the game and referred to as the 'Denis Law of women's football'.Gore scored the first official goal for England 's women's side in 1972, who were a far cry from the current Lionesses, the reigning European champions and World Cup Gore also made a significant contribution to the development of the women's game in Wales, managing the national side for over 10 was a big part of Gore's life from an early in Prescot on Merseyside, Gore remembered how she began kicking a ball as a three-year-old and on starting school would practise with the boys, but was not allowed to play in games. She started playing for Manchester Corinthians aged 12 in the late 1950s, travelling overseas, where the team played in front of big played at the time when the women's game was prohibited by the Football Association, with a ban in place since Football Association (FA) reasoning was that football was "quite unsuitable for females" and should "not be encouraged".The FA lifted its 50-year ban in 1971 and a year later the first official England women's side would play their first game."There were over 500 players that came to trials and it was whittled down to 25 in the end," Gore recalled in a 2015 interview for the BBC's Sporting Witness."I think I went to four trials and it was a tremendous feeling to get a letter to say you were in the England squad after all those trials."England's first match against Scotland in November 1972 – 100 years since the first men's international between the countries – was played at Greenock's Ravenscraig Stadium. "The crowd was about 400-500 if I remember rightly, which we thought was a good crowd then," Gore said."The conditions were terrible. It was hard ground – frosty, icy."[It] shouldn't have gone ahead but obviously because we had travelled so far and the Scots wanted to play it... We wanted to play it because it was the first official international for the FA."We were two goals down at half-time and we had to step up a gear."Step up a gear they did and Gore went on an individual run which saw her cut through Scotland's defence before coolly slotting home to score England's first official goal."I was delighted, I was jumping in the air and everyone was diving on me," Gore was the start of a comeback which saw England win 3-2 but significantly it was the start of a new era for women's football in the British Isles. Gore once scored 134 goals in one season and played for renowned works team Fodens Ladies as well as north Wales-based Prestatyn, a side formed by sisters Mai and Eleri Griffith."I actually played against Sylvia when she played for England in about 1974 in Slough," recalls Michele Ward, who played in Wales' first unofficial international in 1973."We got beaten but what I do remember, it was sponsored by an egg company and at the end of games we would get presents from the other team."It was a plastic container with the English FA crest on it full of bath salts and half a dozen eggs."After retiring from playing at the age of 36 due to injury, Gore embarked on a coaching career, with Prescot Ladies - a team she founded - and then as Wales national team manager."One of the main volunteers at the item was Ida Driscoll and how she got hold of Sylvia I don't really know to be honest," Michele Adams said."Whether people in north Wales put her in touch, quite possibly."She took the burden on at its weakest because up until then they had this little committee with people from Newport and Port Talbot." Wales Women's International Football, who ran the national team and was chaired by Ida Driscoll, turned to the woman who seven years earlier scored England's first goal in an insisted that being a non-Welsh manager was not a big deal, pointing out that the manager of the senior Wales men's team at the time, Mike Smith, was also English and "not doing too bad a job"."I've said it's impossible to expect miracles," she said at the time of her appointment in February 1979."But it's a challenge. It's an opportunity and I am going to make something of it."I wouldn't have missed this chance for the world. It's something I've always wanted and I will do my utmost to make it work." Her first training session with Wales' 18-strong squad was on the morning of her first game in charge, against France in Bordeaux, following a 24-hour overland lost 6-0 in France and a 7-0 defeat later that year against hosts Italy - a semi-professional side - in the Women's World Invitational Tournament was a stark reminder of how much catching up there was to had been appointed by Wales on an initial 12-month basis, but she would remain in charge for over 10 years and her enthusiasm for the role - despite a lack of resources - remained steadfast."It's hard work but I enjoy every minute of it," Gore told the Liverpool Echo in 1989."Unfortunately we haven't enough clubs in Wales to form a proper association, which might help to attract sponsors, so we have to pay all our own expenses."Players not only had to pay their travelling expenses, they even had to pay for their own would also make substantial financial contributions from her own pocket."When Sylvia came in we used to train one weekend in north Wales and the following weekend down in south Wales," Adams added."That would happen quite regularly over a six-week period."If we had an international away somewhere we were billeted in people's houses, not hotels."Wales had faced the Republic of Ireland at Llanelli's Stebonheath Park in their first game in 1973 but were not affiliated with the Football Association of Wales at the time. Numerous attempts had been made in the preceding decades to get recognition, which had met with firm opposition and downright hostility from some Football Association of Wales (FAW) councillors."We have to remember that neither the Welsh or English FA were particularly organised in running women's football until much, much later," said The Guardian's women's football writer Tom Garry."Particularly in the 70s and 80s and into the early 90s, running women's football was a bit akin to how you might imagine a local sports community club is run in towns and villages across the country."Many people who spent time with Sylvia have always described how there was this sort of desire to help other teams develop."Knowledge-sharing was very common in those days, clubs wanting to help each other out and local FAs and local football groups wanting to help each other out. Sylvia epitomised that really, because a lot of different clubs benefited from the knowledge that she was able to share." As Wales manager, Gore - who also coached Deeside Ladies in north Wales - essentially had a pool of less than 30 players to choose from, significantly fewer than attempted to expand Wales' squad by identifying players with Welsh family backgrounds, sending letters to women's leagues throughout the UK enquiring about eligible players."We started getting players in with Welsh heritage, about three or four players from England like Ann Rice and Gaynor Jones," Adams remembers."We had quite a few like that who came in."At a time when women's football was reliant on the goodwill of volunteers and sponsors, Gore did much to raise standards."There was an appreciation of the professionalism that she brought to what was actually a very unprofessional job," Garry added."Sylvia was someone who knew what they were doing and had the best intentions of a team at heart, even if there perhaps wasn't the resource for them to go and be competitive on the wider international stage." But there were signs of was encouraged that FAW official Malcolm Stammers attended an international against England at Prescot Cables in April 1989 and presented the squad with a new kit."The big thing was to get over to the public at large that women really can play football and it is not just one big joke," Gore said after the game, which would be her last international in FAW eventually took the women's team under their control in 1993 after being approached by Adams along with fellow internationals Laura McAllister and Karen Jones.A team was entered into Uefa qualifying for the first time two years forward 30 years and the current team's appearance at Euro 2025 is Wales' first experience of playing at a major tournament. As for Gore, her involvement with football continued after her stint managing was assistant manager at Knowsley United, and acted as secretary to Liverpool FC Ladies and as a member of the FA Women's Smith and Rachel Brown-Finnis, the former England internationals, have spoken of their gratitude to Gore and the influence she had on their early 2000 she was awarded an MBE for services to girls and women's association football and she was inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame a year later."Sylvia sat on various FA committees and through my club so did I," said Adams, chairwoman of FA Women's National League South side Gwalia United, who were previously known as Cardiff City Ladies, for whom she played and managed."We used to meet up quite often - two or three times a year - at these meetings and she always came bounding over towards us."She liked the involvement with the Welsh. She was a good soul and did an awful lot for the women's game." Gore died aged 71 in 2016 having made a remarkable contribution to the story of women's football. "She had been through and experienced so many of the important moments in the sport, not just playing and scoring in that first England fixture," added Garry."I think to essentially dedicate your life to trying to grow the game is almost an even stronger legacy than the sheer volume of goals that she scored for Manchester Corinthians, Foden's and England."Undoubtedly that helped both England and Wales get to a place where they are now, where these two teams are in this tournament."
