Latest news with #LeahWilliamson
The Guardian
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Arsenal, a packed Estádio José Alvalade and the reason I fell in love with football
I can't type the words. Sophie Downey's stopwatch, started the moment the clock hit 90 minutes, is running on the desk next to me, but my fingers won't move. I refuse to write a variation of 'Arsenal are European champions' with time still on the clock because the thought of having to press that backspace key and delete it is too much. The editors will have to wait; I'll start writing the intro paragraph when there's one minute 30 seconds of the seven minutes of stoppage time to go, but gingerly, agonisingly – even that feels too soon. I believe, I really do, but what if? And then I'm too busy sobbing into my hands to finish or press send. The narratives, there are so many narratives: Renée Slegers, the former academy player head coach with the retro Arsenal ring on her little finger who was made permanent manager only four months ago; Leah Williamson's journey from being a mascot at a European Cup final to playing in one; Chloe Kelly's salvaged season; Beth Mead's emotional turmoil; Mariona Caldentey making it three in a row after winning the past two with the now vanquished Barcelona; Kim Alison Little. Where to start? Where to end? My first report, sent not quite on the whistle, is rushed but I don't really care. What does this mean? Everything. Williamson has said she now felt ashamed for having previously put 'trophy for England over trophy for Arsenal', because the feeling last Saturday was 'the happiest I've ever been in my whole entire life'. The lifelong supporter of the club said she hoped 'that other Arsenal fans are happy too'. Understatement of the century, Leah, understatement of the century. The England captain had said she had been reflecting on her journey and reconnecting with those who helped her get to where she is today after the trophy lift outside the Emirates Stadium on Monday morning, and that chimed. Her journey from fan and academy player to Champions League winner is something few can relate to, but her undying love for Arsenal is more understood and she is not the only one who will have been reflecting on their relationship with the north London club this weekend. Remembering adds to the emotion of the occasion and triggers it. My own journey started when a smile was actually wind, my arms and legs manoeuvred into a little flannel babygrow that had the badge on the front and 'Arsenal babe' across the back. The earliest memories I have come in flashes across a weekend in Lisbon; then kicking a green translucent plastic ball with white flecks against the wall while I watched Arsenal Ladies play opposite my council estate in Shoreditch Park; finding out the score of the 1998 men's FA Cup final via a smuggled radio on a school trip; buzzing as I headed to a two-week Arsenal Foundation course on designing a magazine on QuarkXPress in the school holidays; winning a McDonald's competition to kick penalties on the pitch at Highbury on the final day of a season; staying the night at the home of a family member who lived a stone's throw from Islington town hall so I could get as close to the Invincibles trophy parade as possible; going to football sessions at school only to find them being led by Faye White and Rachel Yankey; the 'Arsenal win the World Cup' Mirror front page Blu-Tacked to my wall after France's 1998 men's team's triumph. Could I fill this piece with the memories? Yes, probably five times over. Plenty of journalists choose to keep their personal allegiances private and having decided not to do that I can very much understand why (thanks, social media), but why should I hide or reject my fandom when my love of Arsenal is why I stumbled into this industry, having not ever considered it as something I could do, in the same way aspiring to be a professional footballer was a pipe dream for so many girls my age? My fandom and my journalism are very separate things to me; if anything, I'm most critical of the club I adore because I want to see it do things right. As a journalist, you build bonds and relationships with players and staff across clubs and national teams. I struggle to think of a time I've interviewed a player and not come away wanting everything good to happen to them, for them to have their drive, work and passion rewarded. There isn't a Women's Super League team I dislike, not even Tottenham, because, while I'll never fully understand what it takes to be a professional footballer, I've been given an insight into that world; the highs, the lows, the injuries, the emotional and mental tolls, the hidden battles, the fight for professional standards and respect and more. But there will always be one team I love, love with a passion fuelled by those memories that flitter in and out. That is why there has been a lot of personal emotion this week. Hell, I'm crying periodically while I write. Arsenal gave me a way to experience collective joy and pain, to share a deep emotional bond with my dad, to feel connected to my community and a career. The feeling of watching a women's team that played for a short while in the park opposite Clinger Court on Hobbs Place Estate go on to lift the Champions League, in the modern era, in a packed Estádio José Alvalade, and be celebrated by more than 10,000 fans within 48 hours, after pioneering the game for so long, is indescribable – though I've tried. So, forgive the slipping of the journalistic cap in the aftermath, the blurring of the lines as the fan in me seeps out a bit, because if I didn't feel all this, I wouldn't be doing this job.
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
England's Euro 2025 squad: Who's on the plane and who's got work to do?
England head into Euro 2025 as reigning champions as the Lionesses seek to win a second consecutive European crown. Sarina Wiegman's side will have to be sharp from their first match in Switzerland, after being drawn alongside France, the Netherlands and Wales in Group D of the July tournament. England won the Euros on home soil three years ago and then reached the World Cup final the following year, so come into the competition with plenty of major tournament experience. A number of star players from England's historic triumph will return but there are plenty of new faces competing for their places, too, as well as a couple of major injury concerns. Advertisement As it stands, England are preparing to name a 23-player squad for the Euros, although Uefa increased the maximum squad size to 26 ahead of the men's Euros last summer and may opt to mirror it for the women's tournament. There is less than one week to go until England have to name their squad for the Euros, so here's a look at how Wiegman's plans are shaping up ahead of their opening match against France in Zurich on Saturday 5 July. On the plane Lucy Bronze Key to setting a winning mentality among the squad, Bronze is set to represent her country at a seventh major tournament. The 33-year-old's competitive edge is as sharp as ever and she remains England's first-choice right back. Advertisement Leah Williamson The captain of the Lionesses when they won the Euros, Williamson was forced to sit out of the World Cup after suffering an ACL injury. Now back as skipper, the Arsenal centre-back is a leader off and on the pitch. Showed she remains one of the best in the world with a remarkable display in Arsenal's Champions League victory over Barcelona. Millie Bright Bright recovered from her own knee injury to stand as England's defensive rock at the last World Cup. An invaluable presence as England's vice-captain, who remains key to Chelsea's dominance domestically. Has withdrawn from the Nations League squad for games against Portugal and Spain to take an extended break and allow a period of recovery. Advertisement Keira Walsh Back in England having signed for Chelsea after a successful two-and-a-half-year spell at Barcelona. Walsh's ability to set the tempo in midfield helped Barca to back-to-back Champions Leagues titles. On her day, she is one of the best in the world in her position. Alessia Russo England's super-sub in the Euros, who shone as a starter at the World Cup. The Arsenal striker's record at major tournaments is impressive, with seven goals across her appearances at the Euros and World Cup, and she will lead the line again as No 9 after a brilliant season for the Gunners that saw her win the WSL Golden Boot award. Advertisement Ella Toone A player for the big occasion, with goals in the Euros final and World Cup semi-final. Toone opened up about the difficulty of losing her father last September and her form since on the pitch has been superb. Beth Mead England's golden boot winner in 2022, who then missed the World Cup with an ACL injury. The Arsenal forward has yet to rediscover the heights of that 21/22 campaign since returning from injury but is still an important player for the Lionesses and Wiegman trusts her. Chloe Kelly The scorer of the goal that won the Euros has been in sensational form since joining Arsenal on loan and has starred in their run to the Champions League final. Her place looked to be in doubt after being dropped earlier this year, but she has responded in the perfect way. Advertisement Grace Clinton Started against Portugal and Spain in February, and held her own against the world champions at Wembley. A strong, powerful box-to-box midfielder, Clinton is beginning to assert herself in the England side. Jess Park One of the breakthrough talents to emerge over the last couple of years, Park is set to appear at her first major tournament. At 23, she has stepped up on a regular basis for Manchester City and has caught the eye on a couple of starts for England with her skill and guile on the ball. She has emerged as a surprise option on the right wing. Hannah Hampton Will be England's No 1 in Switzerland after the shock retirement of Euros winner Mary Earps. Hampton had won the battle for the shirt having started three of the last four games, but there are no doubts now. Impressive under Emma Hayes and now Sonia Bompastor for Chelsea, she has come a long way since being dropped by Wiegman in 2022. Advertisement Jess Carter Often an unsung hero in defence, Carter played an important role at the last World Cup due to her versatility and can play in both at the left side of a back three and back four. Wiegman has used Carter as a full back and centre back since the World Cup. Niamh Charles The Chelsea full-back started both games against Portugal and Spain and was quietly impressive. Her connection with club team-mate James on the left is a bonus for Wiegman and Charles showed her strengths as a willing runner around the outside and as a recovering defender. Almost there Lauren James Arguably the biggest talent in the squad, James did not play for England for almost 10 months due to injury but showed what they had missed with her performances against Portugal and Spain in February. Wiegman says James had also shown a 'massive improvement' in her work off the ball. Suddenly the biggest injury concern in the squad after hurting her hamstring. Advertisement Lauren Hemp A guaranteed starter when she's fit, offering pace and constant danger as an all-action forward, Hemp returned to the pitch over the final weeks of the season after undergoing surgery on a knee meniscus injury in November, in what is a big boost for the Lionesses. Georgia Stanway The Bayern Munich midfielder was named in an England squad for the first time this year ahead of the games against Portugal and Spain. Yet to play a match since December and may not feature in the Nations League, although she is back in training, but her return is important for Wiegman ahead of the Euros. Alex Greenwood Arguably England's best player at the last World Cup and most important defender on her day, even if Bright and Williamson are often selected ahead of her. Greenwood is also back in the squad after returning from injury. Advertisement Fran Kirby The Euros winner and former PFA Player of the Year has not had much luck with injuries after being ruled out of the last World Cup, but is usually selected when she it fit. The emergence of Clinton and Park, along with James and Toone, means Wiegman has options at No 10. Aggie Beever-Jones The impressive 21-year-old winger has already racked up 50 appearances for an all-conquering Chelsea side, where she is in constant competition with some of the best in the world. Pacy and direct with an eye for a goal, she is starting to get minutes for England and scored her first for her country against Belgium. (Getty) Maya Le Tissier The 22-year-old has enjoyed an impressive season after being named as captain of Manchester United. Le Tissier was close to making the World Cup squad and she has grown as a player since being named on the standby list. Interestingly, Wiegman views Le Tissier as a full-back even though she is a centre-back for her club. Advertisement Esme Morgan Morgan appears to fit Wiegman's requirements as an adaptable defensive player who can play in multiple positions in the defence, having played at both centre-back and full-back under the England manager. Khiara Keating The 20-year-old Manchester City goalkeeper had a breakthrough campaign last season and has featured in England squads without making her senior international debut. This season has been more difficult after high-profile errors in games against Manchester United and Arsenal. Anna Moorhouse The Orlando Pride goalkeeper received her first call-up at the age of 29 but is yet to make her first appearance, though. Looks likely to go to the Euros along with Keating after the retirement of Mary Earps. On the fringes Michelle Agyemang Scored on her debut against Belgium after being drafted into the squad as an injury replacement for Alessia Russo. Could go to Switzerland as a back-up striker, with England short of options behind Russo at No 9, and she was selected again for the games against Portugal and Spain. Advertisement Lotte Wubben-Moy A firm favourite at Arsenal, but has been in and out of England squads despite making the final cut for the Euros and the World Cup. Although Wubben-Moy has yet to feature prominently at a major tournament, the centre-back is clearly a personality that Wiegman wants to have around her squad. Missed the end of the season due to injury but has replaced Bright. Nikita Parris The Euros winner made a shock return to the England squad after a two-year absence for the games against Portugal and Spain. The 30-year-old, who is now at Brighton, was given an opportunity while Kelly was out of the picture and Hemp was injured, but her place at the Euros is uncertain now they are both back. Advertisement Jessica Naz The Tottenham winger was given some chances when there were injuries among the forwards but did not take them as finds herself out of the squad ahead of the summer. Millie Turner The Manchester United centre-back is not as versatile as some of the other defenders in England's squad, such as Carter, Morgan and club team-mate Le Tissier, and likely faces a battle with Wubben-Moy to be the fourth-choice centre-back. Ella Morris The Tottenham defender was called up to the England camp for the first time ahead of the Nations League finale against Spain and Portugal, having impressed as part of the Under-23s. Advertisement Missy Bo Kearns Another who has spent some time around the first time after catching the eye while playing for the Under-23s, the Aston Villa midfielder is ahead of some other prospects for now but the Euros are still unlikely. Ruby Mace Made her England debut in December and kept her place in February, but has returned to the England Under-23s for now. Had caught the eye playing in defensive midfield for Leicester. Laura Blindkilde Brown Followed a similar journey to Mace, coming through from the Under-17s to the senior side, but has also dropped out of contention ahead of the Euros. Lucy Parker The Aston Villa defender has spent time around the squad as an injury replacement but won't go to the Euros if Wiegman's senior options are fit. Advertisement Gabby George Could have been an option at left-back and has shown good form for Manchester United after making a comeback from an ACL injury. Returned to the England squad last November after a two-year absence but is out of the picture now. Ellie Roebuck The former England goalkeeper – who had been challenging for a starting spot with Earps before the last Euros – is looking to rebuild her playing career after recovering from a stroke. Retired Mary Earps The Euros winner and two-time goalkeeper of the year has announced her retirement from international football and will not go to the Euros. 'I've spent a long time making this decision and it's not one I've made lightly,' Earps said. 'For me, ultimately this is the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive.' England squad to face Portugal and Spain Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton, Anna Moorhouse, Khiara Keating, (Mary Earps retired) Advertisement Defenders: Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Alex Greenwood, Maya Le Tissier, Esme Morgan, Ella Morris, Leah Williamson, Lotte Wubben Moy (Millie Bright withdrawn) Midfielders: Grace Clinton, Missy Bo Kearns, Fran Kirby, Jess Park, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Keira Walsh Forwards: Michelle Agyemang, Aggie Beever-Jones, Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly, Beth Mead, Nikita Parris, Alessia Russo
The Independent
2 days ago
- General
- The Independent
England vs Portugal LIVE: Lionesses begin life without Mary Earps in Women's Nations League clash
England begin life without Mary Earps and continue their build-up to Euro 2025 as they host Portugal at Wembley in the Women's Nations League. The Lionesses were rocked this week by the news that Earps, the Euros winner and two-time goalkeeper of the year, would be retiring from international duty after losing her starting place to Hannah Hampton. England captain Leah Williamson said she was 'devastated' by Earps' retirement and it leaves the Lionesses without one of their most important leaders ahead of this summer's Euros in Switzerland. With just over a month to go ahead of England's opening game against France, Sarina Wiegman 's side will conclude their Nations League campaign against Portugal and away to Spain England trail Spain by two points, with the top side qualifying for the Nations League semi-finals, so a victory for the Lionesses would keep their hopes alive before travelling to Spain on Tuesday. England rocked by Mary Earps retirement before Euro 2025 There's only been one talking point before this evening's match at Wembley: Mary Earps' retirement from England duty ahead of this summer's Euro 2025. The goalkeeper announced in a statement on Tuesday: 'I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally. It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life, to wear this badge, represent my country and play alongside such an incredible group of players. 'I've spent a long time making this decision and it's not one I've made lightly. For me, ultimately this is the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive. 'Winning the Euros in 2022 was the best day of my life, and I'm rooting for the girls to do it again this summer.' Jamie Braidwood30 May 2025 17:02 Is England vs Portugal on TV? It will be shown live on ITV 4, with coverage starting from 7pm. A live stream will be available on ITV X. Kick-off at Wembley is at 19:45pm. Jamie Braidwood30 May 2025 17:01 Hello and welcome England face Portugal at Wembley in the start to the finale to the Women's Nations League campaign. The Lionesses were rocked this week by the news of Mary Earps' shock retirement ahead of this summer's Euro 2025. But Sarina Wiegman is urging her players to look forward as they continue their Euro preparations, with just a month to go until the opening game against France in Switzerland. The Lionesses came into the final two games of Nations League Group A3 two points behind leaders Spain in the table. Jamie Braidwood30 May 2025 17:00
The Guardian
3 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
'I'm devastated': Leah Williamson on Mary Earps' retirement from England's Lionesses
England captain Leah Williamson reacted to Mary Earps' retirement from international football on Tuesday. Williamson said: 'She's one of my closest friends in football in terms of what we've been through together, the journey that we've been on so I'm devastated just because I love her, I love being her teammate.' Earps has been battling with Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton for the No. 1 jersey this season. Reports on the reasons behind Earps retirement decision have differed; some have accused Earps of quitting after allegedly being told she had been dropped while the Guardian understands Earps had weighed up the move for more than a year. The England manager Sarina Wiegman refused to comment on the conversations she had with Earps before her decision. 'Of course I had a couple of conversations which I don't want to share here because that's between us.'
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Sarina Wiegman 'sad and disappointed' by Mary Earps England retirement
Lioness boss reflects on 'very hard decision' taken by the former England No1 and says she would still like Earps to be in her team HARD DECISION Sarina Wiegman 'sad and disappointed' by Mary Earps England retirement while Leah Williamson says keeper will be missed Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SARINA WIEGMAN admitted to being 'disappointed and sad' by Mary Earps calling time on her England career. And Leah Williamson revealed she was devastated, describing the former Lioness's retirement as a huge loss for the team. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 England skipper Leah Williamson and head coach Sarina Wiegman expressed their sadness concerning Mary Earps' international retirement Credit: PA 4 Wiegman is disappointed that Earps had called time on her England career and says she still wished the former Lionesses goalkeeper was part of her team Credit: Reuters 4 Williamson, who together with Earps helped England win the 2022 Euros, described the goalkeeper as her "best friend in football" Credit: Alamy Yesterday Wiegman and her captain publicly shared their thoughts in their first press conference in the wake of Earps' bombshell announcement. Four days ago (May 26) the FA stated the Euros-winning shot stopper was ending her England run And the Paris Saint-Germain ace, 32, also shared her international career update via her Instagram account. Earps standing down from international duty five weeks before this year's Euros, means the tournament's reigning champions will defend their title without their most experienced goalkeeper. Lionesses boss Wiegman, who still wants Earps as part of her squad, said: "I'm really disappointed and sad that she's not part of the team because I want her in my team. "That (retirement decision) must have been a really hard decision for her and so it is for us. "There have been a couple of conversations which I don't want to share publicly because that's between us and it's hard for her at the same time." Earps, who has 53 senior international caps, started in all six games during England's run to becoming European Champions three years ago. In Australia in 2023, she played a significant role in England reaching the Women's World Cup final for the first time in their history, Her performance in all seven games would see her win the tournament's Golden Glove before later being voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year. During the contest's final Earps produced a dramatic penalty save against Spain keeping out Jenni Hermoso's spot-kick before her team fell to a 1-0 loss. However since last October the former Man United player has faced a battle to start with Chelsea's Hannah Hampton. The Blues stopper started in five of England's last eight international games. Williamson, 26, who skippered the team during the 2022 Euros, said: "I'm devastated (by her England retirement) because I love her and love being her teammate. "Mary is one of my closest friends in football. "We have an extra pair of shoes to fill and also in a number of different areas. "I'm sure the team will be ready for all those eventualities." Earlier this week The Athletic reported that Sarina Wiegman had told Earps that she would not be her No1 keeper for this year's Euros. And The Guardian reports Earps, had in April, informed the England boss that she was thinking of retiring. However Wiegman remained tight-lipped on the exact details of her conversation with Earps. The Lioness chief said: "I am in conversations with players all the time. "I don't give any information about these private conversations we have. "Hannah Hampton is now the number one. "Before that she was a little bit ahead but at moments you can't look too far forward because you don't know what things will happen. "Things in football can change very quickly." England, who face Portugal at Wembley tomorrow and Spain away in the Nations League next Tuesday, have been hit by fitness issues. Aside from Ella Morris, 22, rupturing a knee ligament, Alessia Russo, 26, and Ella Toone, 25, will both miss tomorrow's 7:45pm clash due to calf concerns. And vice-captain Millie Bright, 31, withdrew from England's camp earlier this week with Arsenal's Lotte Wubben-Moy called up in her absence. On the Daly Brightness podcast she hosts with ex-Lioness team-mate Rachel Daly, the 88-capped centre-back explained she was at her limit "physically and mentally". This term the Chelsea skipper led the Blues on a treble-winning trophy charge, lifting the FA and Women's League Cups and claiming an eighth WSL title. Of her withdrawal from this month's England camp Bright said: "That is a really hard decision. "But I think you know better than anyone as well - sometimes you just have to take that time for yourself. "You need to value yourself and your mental health and body, and just say that no, right now is not the time for you." 4 England will face Portugal and Spain in the Nations League without the services of Millie Bright with the Lioness vice-keeper withdrawing from their May camp Credit: Getty Bright's England team-mate Williamson added: "That decision for Millie herself to say, 'I need to take a break' and to speak out about mental health is a brave thing to do. "She's leading by example and I've personally given Millie a bit of space. "Naturally any support that she needs and anything that she needs from the team, we'll be there to give it to her."
