James Bunce on season goals and match intensity
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22 minutes ago
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England face dark horses Italy with sights set on Women's Euro final
Having come back from the brink of elimination against Sweden in the last eight, England will hope to live up to their billing as favourites when they face Italy in the semi-finals of Women's Euro 2025 on Tuesday. The holders are tantalisingly close to another major tournament final, with a showdown next Sunday against either Germany or world champions Spain the reward for Sarina Wiegman's team should they get the better of the Azzurre in Geneva. The Lionesses could be forgiven for feeling that their name is on the trophy after the dramatic nature of their victory over Sweden in Zurich on Thursday. England were 2-0 down late on but two goals in the space of three minutes forced extra time before they eventually triumphed 3-2 in a remarkable penalty shoot-out. Now they find themselves in a sixth consecutive semi-final between Women's Euros and World Cups, and it would be a shock if they slipped up against Italy. Ranked 13th in the world, the Italians are surprise semi-finalists while England are where they were expected to be as they look to repeat their triumph at the last Euros on home soil in 2022. "I really had a sense throughout the game, even when we were down, that it wasn't our time to go," defender Esme Morgan told English media this weekend as she reflected on the unlikely comeback against Sweden. "I thought about three times we were out," admitted Wiegman, who remains on course to win a third consecutive Women's Euros having guided her native Netherlands to victory on home soil in 2017 before triumphing with England three years ago. England have been exposed against top-level opposition at this European Championship, having been defeated by France in their opening group game before being torn apart in the first half against Sweden. But the nature of their recovery in the latter match, inspired by substitutes Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly, will give them confidence and so can their recent record against Italy. - Carter suffers racist abuse - England won 5-1 when the nations last met in a friendly in Spain in February last year, and were 2-1 victors a year earlier in the Arnold Clark Cup in Coventry. Italy finished second in their group behind Spain but then got the better of Norway in the quarter-finals with veteran Cristiana Girelli scoring twice including a last-minute winner. Now they are in the semis of a major tournament for the first time since the 1997 Euros. "It's exciting because we are going to face the reigning champions," defender Martina Lenzini told AFP at the Italian team's base near Lucerne. "Getting to the semi-finals for us is a result in itself, a bit unexpected in the eyes of others and by everyone around us, but we believed we could do this. "We are always humble but we were aware that we could get to this stage and have the chance to face a team of this calibre." The holders' preparations for the match were rocked by revelations that defender Jess Carter had been the victim of racist abuse which led to the English FA alerting police. "From the start of the tournament I have experienced a lot of racial abuse," Carter, who has 49 caps, wrote on her social media accounts. "Whilst I feel every fan is entitled to their opinion on performance and result I don't agree or think it's OK to target someone's appearance or race." Meanwhile England have been hoping that captain Leah Williamson will be fit in time to feature after being forced off with an ankle injury against Sweden -- her fellow defender Morgan said over the weekend the team were "very optimistic that Leah will be fine". as-td/mw
Yahoo
22 minutes ago
- Yahoo
PSG Target With Uncertain Real Madrid Future Atop Liverpool's List to Replace Luis Diaz
Rodrygo's future at Real Madrid remains uncertain after an inconsistent showing at the FIFA Club World Cup. Now that the transfer window is open, speculation around a possible move is starting to build. A previous report from Sports Zone indicated that Real Madrid no longer considers Rodrygo untouchable. His camp has reportedly held talks with Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool. PSG are also in the mix, though they're said to be proceeding with more caution. More recently, TBR Football reported that Arsenal are becoming increasingly confident about their chances of signing the Brazilian. With the Club World Cup now over—and Rodrygo expected to make a decision after the tournament—we may soon get a better sense of what's next. Could PSG target be heading to Anfield?According to L'Équipe, Rodrygo is seen as a likely replacement for Luis Diaz if the Colombian ends up leaving Liverpool. Meanwhile, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reported that Rodrygo is in a tricky situation. The Brazilian has a deep love for Real Madrid and feels he still has plenty to give, but he's also aware that he could have a bigger role elsewhere. Talks with Real Madrid are already underway, and the final decision now rests with him.
Yahoo
43 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Wyn Davies 1942-2025
Born in Caernarfon, Davies enjoyed goal-laden stints at Wrexham and Bolton Wanderers in the early stages of his footballing career before joining Newcastle United in 1966. Known affectionately as 'Wyn the Leap' and 'The Mighty Wyn' due to his aerial prowess, the Welshman spent five years at St. James' Park, scoring 53 goals in 216 appearances for the Magpies whilst wearing the famous nine shirt, and was part of the United team which won the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969 under Joe Harvey's management. Davies then enjoyed spells at Manchester City, Manchester United and Blackpool during the 1970s before finishing his career with Bangor City in 1979 as well as gaining 34 senior international caps for Wales, scoring six times. The club's thoughts are with Wyn's family and friends at this difficult time.
