Johnson replaces injured Rafferty in Northern Ireland squad
Nat Johnson has been called up to the Northern Ireland women's squad for the Nations League double-header against Romania.The Nottingham Forest full-back replaces injured Rangers defender Laura Rafferty in Tanya Oxtoby's 23-player squad.Johnson has won three caps for NI after making her debut in a 1-0 win against Croatia in the Euro play-off second leg in October.Northern Ireland face Romania in Bucharest on Friday before a home game at Windsor Park against the same opposition on Tuesday, 8 April.Oxtoby has also included 16-year-old goalkeeper Abbie Smith as a training player as they prepare for the double-header at Leicester City's training ground before flying to Romania on Wednesday.Under-17 international Smith recently signed for Manchester City from Women's Premiership side Crusaders.Former England international Izzy Christiansen, as she did last month, has joined the coaching staff as NI target two wins which would keep them in contention for promotion from Group B1.
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Telegraph
12 minutes ago
- Telegraph
Portugal vs Spain predictions: Nations League final tips and odds
Our expert has three tips for Sunday's Nations League final between Portugal and Spain at the Munich Football Arena in Germany (kick-off, 8pm BST). We think Spain should have the edge over Portugal in an entertaining encounter. Portugal vs Spain tips Spain to win and over 2.5 goals @ 13/8 with Paddy Power Ruben Dias to commit 2+ fouls @ 7/4 with Paddy Power Bet builder – Nico Williams to score or assist, Spain to have 5+ shots on target and Nuno Mendes to commit 2+ fouls @ 3.97/1 with Paddy Power Odds courtesy of Paddy Power. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change. Already a Paddy Power member? Check out more free bets from the best betting sites, reviewed by our experts. Spain to reign again in Munich Before taking their foot off the pedal in the second half, Spain were scintillating in their 5-4 win over France in Thursday's Nations League semi-final. There is such a great balance to their side with Pedri, Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino making up a metronomic midfield, while Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams were devastating down the flanks. The win over Les Bleus made it 19 matches unbeaten for Spain since March 2023 and they should be too strong for Portugal, who were less convincing in their victory over Germany and have failed to win matches against Scotland, Croatia and Denmark since the start of October 2024. Punters should not read too much into how Spain allowed France back into the game, given Luis de la Fuente made sweeping substitutions and Spain to win and over 2.5 goals is a value pick at 13/8. Dias could be in for a tough night Spain's use of width and crosses means they get the ball into the box a lot and it could be a long night for Portugal centre back Ruben Dias, who is worth backing to commit 2+ fouls at 7/4. Dias has committed 15 fouls in this season's Nations League – more than any other Portugal player – and he is averaging 2.14 per game in the competition. Expect more magic from Williams Backing Nico Williams to score or assist is a good place to start a Nations League final bet builder. Williams scored and made a goal in the semi-final win over France, managing five shots in the game, and he has scored or had an assist six times in the competition this season. Possession is not as important for Spain under De la Fuente but they are likely to dominate this game in terms of chances and are worth adding to have 5+ shots on target, having averaged 7.1 efforts on target in the tournament. Complete the bet builder with Portugal left-back Nuno Mendes to commit 2+ fouls. He averaged 1.3 fouls per game for PSG in the Champions League this season but he could go above that figure given he is likely to be up against Yamal. He has recorded eight fouls in this competition. Portugal vs Spain odds All odds courtesy of Paddy Power. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
The Guardian
14 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Your Guardian Sport weekend: French Open finals, football, cricket and much more
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BBC News
15 minutes ago
- BBC News
Wales' Davies to miss Euro 2025 with knee injury
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