Chelsea handed Man City test to open WSL title defence
Newly promoted London City Lionesses face a trip to the Emirates Stadium to play European champions Arsenal the following day live on BBC One, promising a stern test for the WSL's first fully independent club in their first ever top-flight fixture.
Chelsea did the league double over Manchester City last season (Nick Potts/PA)
Renee Slegers' side are looking to build on their stunning victory over Barcelona in May which saw them lift the Champions League trophy, as they seek to end Chelsea's WSL monopoly and become champions for the first time since 2019.
This season marks the beginning of a new five-year broadcast deal in which every match will be made available live on either the BBC or Sky Sports.
For the first time, all WSL2 matches will be broadcast live on YouTube, with Sky Sports and the BBC also having the right to select any second-tier matches for broadcast.
Anfield will host its first Merseyside derby of the season on September 7 when Everton visit to kick off the campaign, whilst last season's third-place finishers Manchester United welcome Leicester to Leigh Sports Village.
Brighton v Aston Villa and Tottenham v West Ham round out the opening weekend's fixtures.
Last season's top two Chelsea and Arsenal meet for the first time at the Emirates on November 8 with the first Manchester derby taking place at the Etihad Stadium on November 16.
Renee Slegers' Arsenal face promoted London City Lionesses in their first game since being crowned European champions (Adam Davy/PA)
This season will be the last in which the WSL uses its current 12-team format, with the division set to expand to 14 from the 2026-27 campaign.
Two clubs are set to be promoted from the new WSL2 – formerly the Championship – with the WSL's bottom side playing off against the side that finishes third in the second tier.
The league have also committed to ensuring that Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United will be given two clear days' rest after domestic matches in order to prepare for midweek Champions League games.
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South Wales Guardian
26 minutes ago
- South Wales Guardian
Sarina Wiegman urges more investment in women's game at Downing Street reception
After successfully defending their European crown with a penalty shoot-out victory over Spain in the tournament's showpiece in Basel on Sunday evening, the England team flew home to attend a reception hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock. The team arrived just before 7pm, with Number 10 decorated for the occasion with St George's flags draped over windows and bunting along the railings. As Wiegman rose to speak to those gathered in the Downing Street garden she joked that 'this is different from standing next to a pitch'. She added: 'I have to make my apologies (for giving) you lots of heart attacks. You all made it through and we made it through and that's why we're here now. 'The team is just incredible, we won the Euros but making the final, we're already legendary, what the team has done and the team behind the team. 'Thank you so much for having us here. It's very, very special to be here and to be in this very nice garden with the way you set it up with all these pictures, it makes it more special, it's the first moment it sinks in a little bit because it was surreal what happened last night.' Wiegman, speaking a few hours before the Government announced a new package of measures to boost access to grassroots football, used the moment to call for further investment in the game. 'This incredible team won the Euros and then straightaway sent a letter to you, the Government, asking for attention and asking for access to football for all girls,' Wiegman said. 'Steps have been taken but we're not done yet, we have to keep moving forward and we need a little bit more. 'I heard we need to change some things about taxes…I think we have that confirmation tonight. So let's move forward. 'We need some more investment. We're not there yet. In England we're up there but England needs to stay the trailblazer, it needs to be the big example. The players first but also the FA, the clubs, the Government, the country, the fans – let's keep being the trailblazers.' In her own speech, Rayner congratulated Wiegman's team on defending their title 'with grit, with determination and with skill'. 'You roared, and I know I wasn't the only one roaring with you,' Rayner said. Chloe Kelly scored the decisive penalty for England in the shoot-out after goalkeeper Hannah Hampton made two outstanding saves. The game had gone to extra time and spot-kicks after Alessia Russo cancelled out the opener from Arsenal team-mate Mariona Caldentey as it finished 1-1 following extra time. Welcome home, #Lionesses! 👋 — Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 28, 2025 After almost a month of competition in Switzerland, the team's plane branded with the word 'home' touched down at Southend Airport on Monday afternoon. In a post on X, the team shared a photo of the Euros trophy draped in an England flag on a seat on the plane. Holding the trophy, captain Leah Williamson was first to step off the plane alongside Wiegman. Outside the airport, crowds were lined up to welcome the team and the trophy back home. A homecoming open-top bus parade follows in central London on Tuesday, where there will be a procession along The Mall and the celebration will finish with a staged ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace. A trip to the Palace or Windsor Castle may be on the cards for the winning squad as it is understood possible plans for a reception in the autumn are being explored by royal aides. Defender Jess Carter has not joined her team-mates for the celebrations in London as she has returned to the United States ahead of Gotham FC's NWSL match against the Chicago Stars on Saturday.
Powys County Times
an hour ago
- Powys County Times
Sarina Wiegman urges more investment in women's game at Downing Street reception
England head coach Sarina Wiegman called for further investment in women's football to ensure the country remains a 'trailblazer' as her side celebrated their Euro 2025 success at a 'very, very special' reception at 10 Downing Street. After successfully defending their European crown with a penalty shoot-out victory over Spain in the tournament's showpiece in Basel on Sunday evening, the England team flew home to attend a reception hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock. The team arrived just before 7pm, with Number 10 decorated for the occasion with St George's flags draped over windows and bunting along the railings. As Wiegman rose to speak to those gathered in the Downing Street garden she joked that 'this is different from standing next to a pitch'. She added: 'I have to make my apologies (for giving) you lots of heart attacks. You all made it through and we made it through and that's why we're here now. 'The team is just incredible, we won the Euros but making the final, we're already legendary, what the team has done and the team behind the team. 'Thank you so much for having us here. It's very, very special to be here and to be in this very nice garden with the way you set it up with all these pictures, it makes it more special, it's the first moment it sinks in a little bit because it was surreal what happened last night.' Wiegman, speaking a few hours before the Government announced a new package of measures to boost access to grassroots football, used the moment to call for further investment in the game. 'This incredible team won the Euros and then straightaway sent a letter to you, the Government, asking for attention and asking for access to football for all girls,' Wiegman said. 'Steps have been taken but we're not done yet, we have to keep moving forward and we need a little bit more. 'I heard we need to change some things about taxes…I think we have that confirmation tonight. So let's move forward. 'We need some more investment. We're not there yet. In England we're up there but England needs to stay the trailblazer, it needs to be the big example. The players first but also the FA, the clubs, the Government, the country, the fans – let's keep being the trailblazers.' In her own speech, Rayner congratulated Wiegman's team on defending their title 'with grit, with determination and with skill'. 'You roared, and I know I wasn't the only one roaring with you,' Rayner said. Chloe Kelly scored the decisive penalty for England in the shoot-out after goalkeeper Hannah Hampton made two outstanding saves. The game had gone to extra time and spot-kicks after Alessia Russo cancelled out the opener from Arsenal team-mate Mariona Caldentey as it finished 1-1 following extra time. Welcome home, #Lionesses! 👋 — Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 28, 2025 After almost a month of competition in Switzerland, the team's plane branded with the word 'home' touched down at Southend Airport on Monday afternoon. In a post on X, the team shared a photo of the Euros trophy draped in an England flag on a seat on the plane. Holding the trophy, captain Leah Williamson was first to step off the plane alongside Wiegman. Outside the airport, crowds were lined up to welcome the team and the trophy back home. A homecoming open-top bus parade follows in central London on Tuesday, where there will be a procession along The Mall and the celebration will finish with a staged ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace. A trip to the Palace or Windsor Castle may be on the cards for the winning squad as it is understood possible plans for a reception in the autumn are being explored by royal aides. Defender Jess Carter has not joined her team-mates for the celebrations in London as she has returned to the United States ahead of Gotham FC's NWSL match against the Chicago Stars on Saturday.
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Keir Starmer mocked for cringe call with hero Lionesses from Scotland as squad crowd around phone at No10 reception
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SIR Keir Starmer has been mocked by fans after his "awkward" behaviour on a phone call with the heroic Lionesses. Sarina Wiegman's side retained their title as European champions on Sunday after Chloe Kelly coolly dispatched the decisive spot-kick in a penalty shootout following a tense 1-1 draw with Spain. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Sir Keir Starmer made a phone call to the Lionesses as they enjoyed celebrations in Downing Street Credit: X 7 The Lionesses with their manager Sarina Wiegman in the call Credit: X 7 The England squad celebrating with their medals Credit: Richard Pohle 7 England are the Euro 2025 champions once more after back-to-back wins Credit: Shutterstock Editorial The newly-crowned winners arrived for a celebratory reception at Downing Street on Monday evening, hosted by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock. Number 10 was decorated for the occasion, with St George's flags draped over windows and bunting along the railings. But Sir Keir was not in attendance due to meeting with US President Donald Trump in Scotland. The President welcomed the PM and his wife Victoria to his golf course at Turnberry this afternoon for wide-ranging talks. However, Starmer did manage a phone call to the Lionesses while they were at the Downing Street garden to celebrate their Euros victory. A post shared on Sir Keir's social media showed the moment Sarina Wiegman and some of the Lionesses received a video call from the PM. He said: "Fantastic to see you all and welcome to Downing Street. I just wanted to say a huge congratulations to you and the whole team." The video-call lasted about five minutes and Wiegman could be heard saying "hello Keir, nice to see you", adding "it's lovely here". She then thanked him for calling and for supporting the team throughout the tournament. But trolls were quick to hit out against Sir Keir's phone call with some branding it "awkward" for the heroic Lionesses. Another said on X, formerly Twitter: "Why does Keir have that uncanny valley AI feel in this video? "It just gives off such weird vibes man." England's Lionesses return home to heroes' welcome with EURO 2025 trophy Meanwhile, a third laughed: "They couldn't wait to get you off the phone." "All feels so fake," said another of Starmer's attempt at conversation during the phone call. The PM's post was captioned: "Back-to-back tournament wins. Inspiring the next generation. History makers. "On behalf of the entire nation — congratulations Lionesses." Sarina Wiegman's troops secured a sensational second straight Women's European Championship title last Sunday with a penalty shootout victory over Spain in Basel. England bested the Spaniards 3-1 in the shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time on Sunday. Chloe Kelly slammed home the winning penalty to send the nation into a state of pandemonium. 7 Donald Trump welcomes Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria to his Scottish golf course 7 Meanwhile the Euro winners enjoyed drinks in the sunshine Credit: Richard Pohle 7 England hero Chloe Kelly laughs as the team celebrate at the reception Credit: PA Kelly and her team-mates partied into small hours of the morning after their historic achievement. And they were greeted by a chorus of cheers as they touched down in Old Blighty on Monday afternoon. Scores of footie fans waited for their heroines outside the terminal after getting wind of their arrival and erupted in cheers at Southend Airport in Essex. Tuesday will see the team enjoy an open-top bus procession along The Mall and a ceremony in front of Buckingham Palace. However, the Government won't commemorate the Lionesses' latest trophy haul with a Bank Holiday. CHAMPIONS AGAIN The Lionesses had a bumpy ride in Switzerland, but always managed to come up with the goods in the big moments. Sarina Wiegman's side produced several Houdini acts before triumphing on penalties against world champions Spain in the final. England got off to a poor start as Beth Mead missed the first pen of the shootout But Hampton saved twice - including one from Caldentey and another from superstar Aitana Bonmati before Salma Paralluelo shanked her effort wide. Kelly, 27, kept her cool to slot home the decisive penalty as England retained their title as European champions via a shootout on a historic night in Basel. The former Man City forward was the definition of a supersub, coming on for an injured Lauren James at the end of the first half and going on to set up Alessia Russo's equalising goal and netting the deciding spot kick.
