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Telegraph
27-07-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Game-changer Chloe Kelly is unrivalled in delivering England's biggest moments
This England team are doing their best to move the needle on the nation's life expectancy. Another desperate situation at this European Championship which required an improbable rescue mission. Another painfully late use of substitutions. But never fear, it is Chloe Kelly o'clock. The Arsenal winger thrives in these situations yet against Italy on Tuesday night the early signs were not promising. Her prime chance to make a difference was a 94th-minute corner, England's sixth of the second half. Kelly pull-hooked it over the byline and straight into the side netting. Instead it was a new challenger for the title of 'day-saver-in-chief' who rescued England, Michelle Agyemang scoring her second late equaliser in as many games. You can NEVER watch 96th minute limbs too many times 😏 — ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 23, 2025 There would still be a role for Kelly. When Beth Mead went down and Ivana Martincic pointed to the spot it looked liked Lucy Bronze would take the resulting penalty. It was misdirection, Kelly was the only candidate. ITV commentator Seb Hutchinson called her 'fearless', ominously. Kelly did look remarkably relaxed but fate had been sufficiently tempted and her penalty was saved. Then, of course, she was quickest to the follow-up and found an exemplary finish before a 'calm down' celebration for anyone feeling a sudden tight sensation across their chest. Who else? 🥶 🏴 Chloe Kelly wins it for England in the 119th minute 😤 #WEURO2025 — UEFA Women's EURO 2025 (@WEURO2025) July 22, 2025 It was the latest contribution to Kelly's portfolio of critical interventions on the biggest stages. She is making a convincing argument for herself as the most 'clutch' footballer of her generation. If unfamiliar with the American sport discourse which popularised the term, it refers to athletes who reliably perform well under pressure. There is some suggestion that it originated roughly 100 years ago, abstractly referring to the seizing motion of a car's clutch as it brings together parts when it is most necessary. Kelly's clutch reputation is unusual, as we usually associate it with the highest echelon of stars. It is what separates Michael Jordan from Karl Malone, Serena Williams from Jelena Jankovic. Instead Kelly has done it as a super-sub. Hop, skip and thump penalty technique First was her winning goal against Germany in the 2022 Euros final, poking in a corner during extra time to win the nation's first international tournament since 1966. Amazing night for football tonight, here's that moment Chloe Kelly scored, a goal will all remember forever. And with 22 goals they also take the title of most goals ever scored in the Euro finals from, wait for #Lionesses — Yorkshire Bylines (@YorksBylines) July 31, 2022 At the World Cup a year later Kelly settled a trademark tense shoot-out with her trademark hop, skip and thump penalty technique. The ball might still be travelling had the net not been there. Iconic penalties. Trademark Chloe Kelly. 💥 Some things never change. 👌 @Lionesses | #FIFAWWC — FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 18, 2025 There was her winning penalty against Brazil in the Finalissima and her game-turning toil out wide to save last week's quarter-final against Sweden, before scoring another penalty in the shoot-out (below). Then the goal that sent England to a third consecutive final. One or two moments like these might be coincidental; this litany is conclusive. How does she compare to other English contenders for the clutch crown across the women's and men's game? Harry Kane with the winner 🫡 #OnThisDay four years ago, we booked our place in the #EURO2020 final after beating Denmark 2-1 💥 — England (@England) July 7, 2025 What a goal Ella Toone 🤤🚀 #FIFAWWC #ENG #AUS — BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 16, 2023 COLE. PALMER. STRIKES. 💥 CHELSEA ARE IN FRONT! 🏆🔵 Into the bottom corner like a cold-blooded finisher 🔵🔥 Catch the @FIFACWC Final | July 13 | Free | | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #CHEPSG — DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) July 13, 2025 Mary Earps... that's it, that's the tweet 🤩 We had to bring back this legendary moment in honour of that well deserved #BBCSPOTY win 🏆 — ITV Football (@itvfootball) December 19, 2023 ONE YEAR AGO TODAY: 🏴 England 2-1 Slovakia 🇸🇰 Jude Bellingham's insane 95th minute overhead kick saved us from one of the most embarrassing defeats in our history ❤️ — England Extra (@EnglandExtra) June 30, 2025 The aura of Chloe Kelly 💯 — ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 18, 2025
Telegraph
09-04-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Hannah Hampton's unveiling as England No 1 turned into a nightmare
After months of questions and deliberations, the debate is over: Hannah Hampton is England's first-choice goalkeeper. It will be fascinating to know what Mary Earps thinks about her demotion, after so long in the spotlight but especially following England's shock defeat by Belgium. The former Manchester United goalkeeper had been No 1 since Sarina Wiegman's appointment in September 2021, but her grip had been loosening for a while. Wiegman has rotated between the two for almost a year and you could argue there was no need to declare who is first choice given the competition might have been good for them. Wiegman, though, will do things her way and, given her record, she has earned trust in her judgment. After months of avoiding a definitive answer on the goalkeeper conundrum, Wiegman's message before the game was clear: Hampton is No 1 and Earps will have to be satisfied with a back-up role heading into the European Championship. 'She is a little bit ahead at this moment in time,' Wiegman said of Hampton. 'She has been great on and off the pitch. We are very fortunate we have two world-class goalkeepers…' England do, but clearly Wiegman feels Hampton is the better of the two. Whether she has changed her mind after Hampton's performance against Belgium will be interesting. But she is not prone to changing her mind, especially on such a crucial call, so close to a tournament. Having been told the good news, Hampton would have liked a more reassuring night than the one in Leuven. Belgium had four attempts on target inside the first half an hour and scored from three of them – that is never going to reflect well on a goalkeeper. In truth, far more blame should be attributed to the defence, as Belgium played through them with ease, but this was not what Hampton needed so soon after being told she had moved ahead of Earps in the pecking order. There was little the Chelsea goalkeeper could do to prevent their hosts taking the lead in the second minute. But she could have perhaps done better with the looping header that gave Belgium their second 15 minutes later. If Hampton has a weakness, she is not as commanding in her box as Earps and was arguably caught in no man's land, a few steps off her line but in no position to claim the cross. WHAT A START FOR BELGIUM! 🇧🇪🇧🇪 Justine Vanhaevermaet doubles their lead with a looping header 💥 #ITVFootball | #UWNL — ITV Football (@itvfootball) April 8, 2025 Even for Belgium's third goal, Hampton made a step forward as though she was going to try to cut out the cross, only to stop. Millie Bright also hesitated – suggesting afterwards she had been put off by the keeper – and failed to clear. The centre-back should have taken control of the situation. THE COMMENTATOR'S CURSE IS ALIVE AND WELL! 🎙️ It's Tessa Wullaert at the double ⚽️⚽️ Belgium are on fire 🔥 #ITVFootball | #UWNL — ITV Football (@itvfootball) April 8, 2025 Hampton did make a good save to prevent it becoming four before half-time and Wiegman's mind appears to be made up. In truth, the signs have been pointing in this direction for a while. It was last July, for the European qualifiers against Ireland and Sweden – games England could not afford to lose – that Earps was left out of the side for the first time when fit under Wiegman. Hampton did well and has not really put a foot wrong since. Nevertheless, it is a big call at a pivotal moment in the Lionesses' preparations as they look to defend their European crown. Earps must show she can now be a good team-mate as well as a rival. Wiegman has gone with the younger player, the one with less experience, but someone who is first choice for Chelsea, the team dominating the domestic club scene. Hampton is a good shot-stopper, but there is little to choose between her and Earps in this respect. Where she is clearly superior is with the ball at her feet, which is important to the style of football England want to play. It is also worth noting that, at the age of 24, Hampton is front and centre in the Women's Super League while Earps's move to Paris St-Germain has backfired. She did not play in the Champions League group stage after PSG were knocked out in the preliminary rounds and initially struggled to adapt in France. Is it also a case of out of sight, out of mind? Earps said in an interview with The Guardian last week that it 'had been nice to escape the noise' in Paris. 'I'm really pleased I took the bold move,' she added. 'Of course, the start, and getting knocked out of the Champions League – it feels like a million years ago to be honest – was difficult to take. But I look at it almost a year on and I'm so pleased I was brave enough to move. I feel like a better player.'
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
What we learned from Thomas Tuchel's first two games as England boss
England completed their first international window under new boss Thomas Tuchel with two wins from two World Cup qualifiers after following up Friday's 2-0 victory over Albania by beating Latvia 3-0. Here, the PA news agency takes a look at what we learned from Tuchel's first camp. England lead by two goals to nil! ⚽️⚽️ Declan Rice puts it on a plate for Harry Kane 🍽️#ITVFootball | #ThreeLions — ITV Football (@itvfootball) March 24, 2025 Tuchel was clear that he wanted his side to play an attacking and exciting style of play that mirrors the Premier League. There were some issues against Albania, who deployed a low block, before England's quality told, but against the weaker opposition of Latvia it became clearer how Tuchel wants to play. They pinned the minnows in their own half and regularly got in behind them, launching almost 60 attacks in the game. They bombarded the box with crosses, while set-pieces were also dangerous. It is very much a work in progress but the signs of how Tuchel wants to play are clear. Tuchel has spent much of the past week talking about how he wants his squad to be a brotherhood and foster a spirit which helps connect the team with the nation. That was very much evident as spirits were high in training and everyone looked together on the pitch. The German also called for more 'interactions' during the match and that was noticeable as players all celebrated goals together as well as performative high fives and applause. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Myles Lewis-Skelly (@myleslewisskelly) When England's international season started with a Nations League game against the Republic of Ireland, Myles Lewis-Skelly had not even made his Premier League debut. Fast forward six months and he has now arguably made himself England's first-choice left-back. Undoubtedly, Newcastle's Lewis Hall will have something to say about that, but the Arsenal defender has taken his opportunity with both hands, starting both games and enjoying positive experiences. There's the skipper at the back post to double our lead 🙌 It's 2-0 to the #ThreeLions with around 20 to play. — England (@England) March 24, 2025 After a European Championships where people were questioning him and being dropped by Lee Carsley for a crunch Nations League game in Greece, Harry Kane has re-asserted himself as England's main man in attack. He scored in Friday's win over Albania, while also showing his creative passing range, and then took his tally to 71 with another goal against Latvia. While the 31-year-old will not be judged by goals in Wembley games against lower-tier opposition, he proved he will still be the man to lead England's charge at next summer's World Cup. Part of Tuchel's masterplan is to utilise the wingers to break the lines and get balls into the box and that was evident in the two games. But, while there were flashes, none of the players that were given substantial game time claimed the shirt as theirs going forward. Marcus Rashford started both games but lacked an end product, Phil Foden was dropped after one game and Jarrod Bowen did not overwhelm either. Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer's impending return should help matters, with plenty of options for Tuchel to ponder.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
England player ratings vs Latvia: Reece James stunner highlight of the night
Thomas Tuchel's England era reads two wins from two following a routine 3-0 victory over Latvia at Wembley Stadium on Monday. Who caught the eye and who could have done better? Telegraph Sport rates England's starting XI. Could have conceded after an early misunderstanding with Guehi but was otherwise a spectator, as was expected against a team of Latvia's quality. 6/10 His fabulous free-kick was the highlight of the night. A gorgeous strike, arced into the top corner. Also produced some lovely crosses from the right flank. 8/10 It's simply MAGNIFICENT! 💥A freekick of pure quality from Reece James ✨#ITVFootball | #ThreeLions | #CFC — ITV Football (@itvfootball) March 24, 2025 Denied a first England goal by a remarkable close-range save by Latvia goalkeeper Krisjanis Zviedris. Otherwise solid and physically dominant against limited opposition. 6/10 An unexpectedly awkward night for the defender. Almost gave away a cheap goal after a mix-up with Pickford and twice lost control of the ball under pressure from Latvia's forwards. 5/10 Stepped into midfield in possession and played some lovely disguised passes to the advanced players. Untroubled defensively. Looks the perfect fit for Tuchel's system. 7/10 Not the day to showcase his defensive abilities, instead focusing on circulating the ball and pushing forward when possible. Created Kane's goal with a driving run and cross. 7/10 Unfortunate not to win a first-half penalty on a frustrating evening for the winger. Tried his luck on both flanks but struggled to make inroads against Latvia's packed defence. 5/10 Used his trademark running power to burst past his opponents on numerous occasions. So hard to dispossess when he builds momentum, and also tidy in tight spaces. 8/10 Must consider himself fortunate to have remained on the pitch in the second half, when he lunged into a needless tackle near the corner flag. Could not convert his half-chances. 6/10 More dangerous than Bowen for much of the first half, although he lacked decisive end product in the penalty area. Swapped to the right wing after the break. 6/10 Headed over in the first half but was not going to miss the next chance that came his way, from Rice's second-half cross. Always seems to score in these matches. 7/10 England lead by two goals to nil! ⚽️⚽️Declan Rice puts it on a plate for Harry Kane 🍽️#ITVFootball | #ThreeLions — ITV Football (@itvfootball) March 24, 2025 Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tuchel demands more and pressure on Foden – England-Latvia talking points
England continue their quest for World Cup qualification when they take on Latvia at Wembley. Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the main talking points ahead of the Group K clash. England won their first match under Thomas Tuchel when they beat Albania in comfortable but unspectacular style on Friday and Tuchel was left wanting more. He promised a high-octane Premier League style but there were familiar difficulties in breaking down a team with 11 men behind the ball. The German will expect his side to move the ball quicker and be more aggressive as they begin to get used to his demands. He said: 'We will understand better now, I will understand the players better, so where do they feel confident? Where do we struggle? Why is it for us hard to find more runs and to find more aggressive movements into the very last third?' "He won't have to worry about where he wants to play, because he won't be playing" 😐 Roy Keane was not impressed with Phil Foden tonight #ITVFootball | #ThreeLions — ITV Football (@itvfootball) March 21, 2025 Phil Foden came under the spotlight for his performance against Albania as he was ineffective out on the right. Pundit Roy Keane suggested Foden will be lucky to keep the shirt as the 24-year-old continually struggles to find the level he reaches with club Manchester City at international level. Tuchel wants Foden to be more direct, saying: 'We will encourage him to do what he does best – to go at defenders, to go into dribbles. 'We played him from the from the right wing. I think both of our wingers who started were not as impactful as they normally can be, as they are normally in club football.' Tuchel is ready to rotate against Latvia as the new England boss looks to juggle tired legs and make the most of his limited opportunities with the players. The German could make a host of changes across the pitch as he explores combinations and options. The attacking areas are likely to be rotated, with Foden and Marcus Rashford's place in danger after under-whelming performances against Albania, with Jarrod Bowen and Morgan Rogers among those waiting for their chance. Just the beginning. — England (@England) March 21, 2025 It may only be the second of eight qualifying games but victory would put England in a dominant position in Group K. Serbia are England's main threat but they are in Nations League action during this international window so Tuchel's side can get a big head start. Two wins from two would put England in a strong position going into June's qualifier against Andorra before September's crunch game in Belgrade. The first day of #WCQ is in the books 📚 — UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) March 21, 2025 This is England's first ever meeting with Latvia, who are ranked 140th in the world. They also got their Group K campaign off to a winning start as they edged past minnows Andorra 1-0 but they are not expected to be in contention to qualify for next summer's World Cup. Defender Daniels Balodis is perhaps the most recognisable name in their squad, at least north of the border, as he plays for Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone. England are unbeaten in their last 32 World Cup qualifiers, which is the longest run of any European nation and it would be a big surprise if that run ended against the Baltic nation.
