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Metro
28 minutes ago
- Metro
'What is Sarina doing?' - Wright 'baffled' by Wiegman call in Euro 2025 final
Ian Wright says he 'couldn't believe' Alessia Russo was taken off after scoring against Spain and feels Sarina Wiegman was 'very fortunate' to avoid a backlash as England went on to win the Euro 2025 final on penalties. For the third match on the bounce, the Lionesses were forced to come from behind after conceding to a Mariona Caldentey header midway through the first half in Basel. Just as they had done against both Sweden and Italy, the holders dug deep and managed to wrestle the momentum back in their favour, with Russo reacting brilliantly to nod home Chloe Kelly's pinpoint cross and level in the 57th minute. The two teams could not be separated after extra-time and it was England who eventually prevailed after another nerve-jangling shootout, with Kelly scoring the decisive spot-kick to seal a famous 3-1 win over the world champions. The Lionesses' latest triumph – which came at the end of a rollercoaster campaign – marked the first time in history that an English team had won a major tournament on foreign soil. It also further cemented Wiegman's legendary status as an international head coach. The 55-year-old first lifted the trophy with the Netherlands in 2017 before steering England to back-to-back titles over the last three years. Dissecting the final on the Crossways podcast, Wright was somewhat reluctant to criticise Wiegman considering just how far England had come since she took over the reins from Phil Neville. However, the iconic ex-Arsenal striker believes there were a couple of key decisions which could easily have gone against the England boss on another day. 'I've got to say, the Russo substitution is the most baffling thing I'll ever see if she's not injured. I could not believe it,' Wright said. 'Michelle [Agyemang] came on and, obviously, she's amazing, Young Player of the Tournament, only coming off the bench and doing enough to win, that was amazing on her part. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'But I think she [Agyemang] needs Russo on there with her in this time. 'They would have caused Spain so many problems because Russo would have dropped off, she would have been in the box. 'What is Sarina doing taking her off?! What's she doing taking her off?! I couldn't believe it.' According to Wright, Wiegman has proven beyond doubt that she is a 'genius' and a 'legend' – but hauling Russo off with 20 minutes remaining made little sense in the context of the match. 'She was feeding off scraps,' Wright said of Russo. 'When you're playing in a game like that, all you're hoping for is one chance that you can try and take, which she did, and then you get a second wind. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'When she went off you could see it. She's so sweet and she's saying thank you to everybody but you can see it in her mind, she must be thinking, 'What the f***'s going on?! What are you taking me off for?!' 'In the end, she's very fortunate. She's obviously shown she's a great coach with three European Championships on the spin. That's legendary. 'But some of the decisions… you're thinking to yourself, 'If that's what you're doing on purpose because you see the outcome in your head then you are a genius!', but she is a genius with what she's done.' Wright was similarly taken aback that Wiegman opted to 'gamble' on Lauren James' fitness when she had a player of Kelly's quality raring to go the start. 'With Lauren James, it's a Euros final. If she thinks, 'You know what? If I can get something out of myself I might be able to do it', then you're going to play,' he continued. 'And I think it was a gamble that I don't think Sarina should have taken, especially when you've got Chloe there. Chloe is ready to go and she showed that when she came on. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'I thought it was strange. Again, you're talking about somebody who is obviously not fit enough. 'Then, we know that [Lauren] Hemp can come back and work back as well and help and you've got Ona Batlle, Aitana Bonmati and Athenea del Castillo all on that side, that's the most attacking they can be on that side, and you've got Lauren James whose natural game is not to track back and try stop those players. 'She's half fit and it just felt like, 'Oh my gosh, what's going on?!'' More Trending Given the journey Kelly had gone on following a 'dark' time in her career at the start of the year, Wright had to fight back the tears when the Arsenal forward stepped up to convert the winning penalty. 'Who in history has had the opportunity to do that? She has won us a tournament the last kick,' he went on. 'I got emotional as well when she did it. I just had a feeling and I felt like I was going to cry. 'I was just so pleased for her and I wanted it to happen and I wanted it to happen for us a country.' Did Wiegman make a mistake bringing off Russo? For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Legendary Lioness hero 'tipped for glittering TV career' after Euros 2025 win MORE: When is the next Women's World Cup and where is it being held? MORE: Lionesses trophy parade: England celebrate historic Euro 2025 victory in London
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Son of British heavyweight legend signs for Arsenal as he follows in dad and brother's sporting footsteps
DAVID HAYE'S sporting legacy is showing no sign of slowing down after his 11-year-old son Kingston Haye joined Arsenal's academy. Kingston, a rising star, joins Arsenal from Sutton, where he had been turning heads with his impressive performances on the pitch. 3 3 As a midfielder he has already caught the attention of scouts, many of whom are predicting a bright future for the 11-year-old. Kingston's technical ability, vision and ball control have earned him a reputation as one of the most promising talents around, which has now led to his move to North London. His ability to dictate play from the middle of the park has drawn comparisons to some of the top young footballers in Europe and Arsenal's faith in his potential has been rewarded with a junior contract. Haye's eldest son Cassius Haye is also making a name for himself at tennis. At just 17 years old, Cassius has been making waves on the junior circuit, competing internationally and impressing coaches and fans alike with his raw talent and competitive spirit. His powerful serve, quick footwork, and aggressive playing style have drawn comparisons to the greats of the sport. But it's not just his on-court skills that impress — Cassius also possesses the mental toughness that has been a hallmark of his father's career. Haye Snr won the WBA heavyweight belt in 2009 when he beat the giant 7ft Russian Nikolai Valuev. His success was built on physical prowess and mental fortitude, and it seems that Cassius and Kingston are carrying that same drive into their respective careers. Arsenal CONFIRM £63.5million Viktor Gyokeres transfer as striker takes iconic No14 made famous by Thierry Henry The children are determined to blaze their own trail and there's no doubt their father's legacy continues to inspire him.
Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
Liverpool set to beat Arsenal in transfer race for Salford City wonderkid
Liverpool are set to sign wonderkid Will Wright despite Arsenal's verbal agreement with Salford City over a transfer move, according to reports. Arsenal agreed a verbal deal to sign the 17-year-old striker for around £200k plus add-ons two weeks ago – with the north Londoners having originally look set to hijack Liverpool's move for the talented teenager. The Gunners did not agree personal terms, though, with Wright set for a switch to Anfield after Liverpool increased their first bid of £100k plus add-ons to match Arsenal's offer and move back ahead in the transfer race. Liverpool have agreed a deal with Wright's club Salford and personal terms with the player himself, The Athletic have reported. It's believed that Wright was keen to join Liverpool instead of Arsenal because he wanted to remain in the north west of England. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. Wright made his first-team debut for Salford, the club owned by Manchester United legends Gary Neville and David Beckham, in November. The youngster came off the bench in a 3-2 win over Wolves U21s in the EFL Trophy. Wright then played against Manchester City in the 2024-25 FA Cup, a game in which Pep Guardiola's side defeated Salford 8-0 in the third round. He went on to make two appearances in League Two – the fourth tier of English football – before the end of last season, against Port Vale and Bradford City respectively. Prior to playing in Salford's first team, Wright had been a prolific goalscorer at youth level and in the club's B team. It's thought that the young English star will initially join up with Liverpool U21s once he joins the Premier League champions from Salford. Wright has impressed for Salford in pre-season this month, scoring two goals in a 2-2 draw against FC United of Manchester. He is now set to play under former Wales manager Rob Page, who was appointed Liverpool U21s head coach earlier this summer. More Trending Speaking after Page's arrival, Liverpool academy director Alex Inglethorpe told the club's website: 'Rob brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to a key role as young players look to bridge that gap from academy prospect to first-team footballers. 'His recent achievements in guiding Wales to the last 16 at Euro 2020 before qualifying for the 2022 World Cup speak for themselves. 'But perhaps less heralded is the work that took place during his time in charge of the national team, which saw numerous pathway players make it into the senior squad. 'This is something we have seen first-hand at Liverpool with several of our academy players making significant progress on the international stage under Rob's guidance.' MORE: Chelsea keen to sign '25-goal' Man Utd star after Xavi Simons MORE: 'Worries me' – Rio Ferdinand reveals concern over Man Utd's £69m transfer target MORE: Kai Rooney copies Viktor Gyokeres' trademark celebration after Arsenal beat Man Utd to marquee signing
