Latest news with #MillieBright
BBC News
6 hours ago
- General
- BBC News
'Very good week' for England or 'back to the drawing board'?
Big-name retirements, an impressive display against Portugal but dominated by Spain days later. Has it been a positive week for England or a reality check?Sarina Wiegman's side are preparing to defend their European title in Switzerland next month but had two testing matches in the Women's Nations League to navigate first.A 6-0 victory over Portugal afforded the opportunity for returning stars to build their fitness after injuries, but Tuesday's game in Spain against the world champions was the ultimate litmus test to assess the level of the Lionesses going into the tournament. Key players back and new tests Manager Wiegman had her hands full going into the camp after goalkeeper Mary Earps announced her shock international retirement and key defender Millie Bright withdrew from the squad to focus on her mental and physical St-Germain stopper Earps had fallen down the pecking order, with Hannah Hampton increasingly looking more likely to secure the number one Wiegman admitted Earps would have been a valuable member of the Euros squad - and it had been "hard" to deal with her decision. That news was a major distraction as England prepared to face Portugal, piling pressure on Hampton and raising questions about the morale in the response was emphatic and admirable as they produced an immense display, thrashing Portugal in front of an entertained crowd at Beever-Jones demonstrated England's attacking depth with a brilliant hat-trick, while Lauren Hemp, Alex Greenwood and Georgia Stanway all got minutes after returning from knee positive signs cannot be forgotten, although their week did not end on a high as an elite Spain side fought back in style for a 2-1 success that took them into the Nations League England defender Anita Asante told ITV: "The most important thing is the right players are getting the right minutes to feel prepared going into the Euros."Karen Carney, a former Lionesses midfielder, added: "It's great we got fitness for Lauren Hemp and Alex Greenwood. "If we get them back fighting - it's a good position for them. I'm confident for England going into the group stages."Carney admitted England had to "suffer" against Spain because they rotated in the second half as Wiegman looked to expose some of her fringe players to the experience against world-class names her Euros squad on Thursday and handed a senior debut to Missy Bo Kearns, just hours before midfielder Fran Kirby announced her international retirement, capping off a rollercoaster week for the Dutchwoman."Sometimes you have to go through these moments because the bigger picture for the summer is giving players the minutes that they need," added Carney."The changes in the second half really hampered England and we felt disconnected. It is a positive because Wiegman has got a lot to learn."The England boss echoed that sentiment, saying she was not concerned and could use the Spain loss as another "learning moment"."We had a very good week - players coming back from injuries, players fighting for positions, or minutes, or selection, and that is very positive." 'I would rather have a lesson now' But while there were certainly positives - most notably the Portugal performance after such a disruptive build-up - the second-half display in their defeat by Spain showed they clearly have work to France, the Netherlands and Wales awaiting them in the group stages at the Euros, they do not have time to get up to are tipped by many to be the tournament favourites and will undoubtedly be one of England's biggest obstacles if they want to defend their would have been unsettling, then, to see how easily Montse Tome's side dominated possession in the second half and put the visitors under relentless pressure and should have scored more goals than the two from substitute Claudia Pina."It's back to the drawing board against our old rival Spain," said former England international Lindsay Johnson on BBC Radio 5 Live. "In the first half, England looked confident in that low block, and they hit Spain on the transition. "In the second half, England really dropped off, Spain upped their game and England couldn't get anywhere near Spain. They were chasing shadows."Captain Leah Williamson admitted her side's performances away from home recently have been "difficult".It has been an inconsistent Women's Nations League campaign for the were held to a 1-1 draw in Portugal, then beat Spain at Wembley days later in February. In April, they thrashed Belgium 5-0 at home, then lost 3-2 in Leuven."What we have been saying the whole time is that 'it's the new England'. So we wanted to try different things as well," Williamson told BBC Radio 5 Live. "There was more inconsistency than we like, but you have seen very good sides of us. They are the levels we need to keep pushing for and hopefully we will be ready [for the Euros]."We would have liked to pick up a win [against Spain]. That would have done wonders for our confidence, how we feel and how we look ahead."But we can't forget all the work we have done. As we always say, I would rather have a lesson now than in a month's time."England will have another opportunity to piece things together when they face Jamaica in a friendly on 29 June - their final match before the Euros. Head here to get involved
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Lucy Bronze shows true colours with Millie Bright message after England decision
Millie Bright wont be involved for England in their UEFA Nations League match in Spain after the Chelsea star decided to prioritise her physical and mental health England star Lucy Bronze has admitted she wants to see team-mate Millie Bright"feel OK again" after the Chelsea centre-back took a self-imposed break from Lionesses duty. Bright, 31, pulled out of the squad for the Nations League double header against Portgual and Spain to undergo an extender period of recovery. Bright spoke about being mentally and physically at her limits, deciding she wasn't in position to link up with the national squad. Sarina Wiegman's team beat Portugal 6-0 at Wembley in her absence, but now face another big test away to Spain on Tuesday night. Bronze, who finished with a goal and an assist from right-back on Friday, spoke to the media in a press conference ahead of the midweek game in Barcelona. There, she spoke of Bright's importance over the years and wished the best for the experienced defender. "Millie is a real big personality and big player for England and Chelsea," Bronze said. "She's missed with what she brings on and off the pitch. "We want to make sure she's OK both physically and mentally. She's someone who's quite tough and it's brave that she came out and spoke. I want her to feel OK again." Speaking to Rachel Daly on the Daly Brightness podcast, Bright shed some more light on the reasons for her international absence. "I think mentally and physically I'm at my limits, which is why I'm not at camp," she 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. You need to value yourself and your mental health and body, and just say that no, right now is not the time for you.' England go into Tuesday's match needing a win to top their Nations League group and make it into the play-offs later in the year. Alessia Russo and Ella Toone are available again, having missed out due to minor injuries on Friday. The match offers a final chance for squad members to impress head coach Wiegman before she names her squad for the upcoming European Championships on Thursday this week. England go into the tournament as defending champions, but have been handed a tough group stage draw against France, Wales and the Netherlands. "We are pretty close," Wiegman said when asked about her final squad for the tournament in Switzerland. "Still you want to go to the game tomorrow and then make the final decisions, but we are pretty close." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
How the England Lionesses' turbulent week ended in triumph... and raised hope of more Euro glory this summer, writes TARA ANSON-WALSH
As major tournament preparations go, England 's build-up to this summer's European Championship has been anything but conventional. To say the last week has been a turbulent one for England head coach Sarina Wiegman would be an understatement. Aside from the news dominating the headlines — the sudden retirement of fan-favourite Mary Earps — Wiegman was dealt another blow with the withdrawal of Millie Bright from the squad. The centre-back, who captained England to the World Cup final in Australia two years ago, described on a podcast how she was 'mentally and physically' at her limits. Speaking to former Lioness Rachel Daly, Bright said: 'That is a really hard decision but I think you know better than anyone — sometimes you just have to take that time for yourself. You need to value your mental health and body, and just say that no, right now is not the time for you.' Pressed on whether she can expect the Chelsea captain — who partners Leah Williamson at the heart of the defence — back for the Euros, Wiegman said: 'We'll stay in contact and I hope she feels better soon, but I don't know that at the moment.' The absence of Earps and Bright from the dressing room leaves a leadership vacuum and there are doubts over other key Lionesses. Lauren James is yet to return after pulling up with a hamstring injury a month ago, while Georgia Stanway, who hadn't played since last December, remains a balancing act. The midfielder came on for the last 15 minutes against Portugal on Friday, but it remains to be seen how her knee responds. Ella Toone and Alessia Russo missed the game with calf injuries, though Wiegman said these were 'not long-term' issues. The Dutch coach dislikes anyone on the outside getting wind of an upset within her walls but she could not silence the noise surrounding Earps's shock withdrawal, no matter how skilfully she batted off questions about her team's unity by reiterating 'we must move on'. While Portugal have routinely fallen short on the international stage, they are a team who have often been a thorn in England's side — eking out draws in their last two meetings in the build-up to the 2023 World Cup and more recently in the Nations League. So the Lionesses' six-goal victory — with only two games to go before they begin their Euros defence — served as a powerful statement of intent. With Wiegman due to name her Euros squad on Thursday, the players' focus quickly returned to how they would best book a seat on the plane to Switzerland. Youngsters Grace Clinton, Jess Park, and Aggie Beever-Jones capitalised on the extended absences of some of Wiegman's stalwarts. While it was 21-year-old Beever-Jones' hat-trick that stole the show, Clinton, 22, and Park, 23, showed again that they belong in this team. Clinton, the Manchester United central midfielder, worked relentlessly between the boxes and proved useful defensive cover. Manchester City's Park showed her physicality at No 10, fending off Dolores Silva before picking out the perfect pass for Beth Mead to run on to and score England's fourth. Responding to a question about how the off-pitch drama may have affected the team's mentality, Clinton appeared unfazed, saying: 'The off-pitch stuff is sad and sometimes people feel it more than others. We are all professionals here and when we do step on the pitch, we all know we've got a job to do and it's good that we've done it tonight.' Four different goalscorers and a hat-trick on her Wembley debut for Beever-Jones was certainly one way of changing the narrative. Up next are world champions Spain, where a victory will put an end to any concerns that these Lionesses have let the last week get to their heads before another monumental summer.
The Independent
5 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Is England vs Portugal on TV? How to watch Lionesses in Nations League match at Wembley
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. As England face world champions Spain away from home on Tuesday, a win for the Lionesses tonight will keep their hopes of advancing to the semi-finals alive. 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. What is the England team news? To add to the retirement of Mary Earps, England vice-captain Millie Bright has withdrawn from the squad after explaining that she was 'at my limits mentally and physically'. Alessia Russo and Ella Toone have calf injuries but could be back for Tuesday's game against Spain, while Lauren James remains out with a hamstring injury. Georgia Stanway, Lauren Hemp and Alex Greenwood are back in the squad after long-term injury lay-offs. Hemp and Greenwood could feature but Stanway has not played this year.
CNA
6 days ago
- General
- CNA
Wiegman disappointed by Earps' shock England retirement
LONDON : England women's coach Sarina Wiegman said she was sad and disappointed by experienced goalkeeper Mary Earps' decision to retire from international football five weeks before the European Championship. The 32-year-old Paris St Germain keeper, who helped England win the 2022 Euro title and finisher runners-up at the 2023 World Cup, made the shock announcement on Tuesday, calling it a new era for England. "I want her in my team," Wiegman told reporters on Thursday, on the eve of their Nations League game against Portugal at Wembley. "She has done such a great job for England. She has made a massive difference and we have had an incredible journey so far and I really cherish that. "There have been a couple of conversations which I don't want to share here because they are between us. It's hard and it's hard for her at the same time." Chelsea's Hannah Hampton had recently emerged as a strong contender to be England's starting goalkeeper, with Wiegman saying recently she was ahead of Earps. "We are a team and we want to win and Mary in that team gives us a better chance of winning - I know that to be true," England captain Leah Williamson said. "She is a leader. She has got experience," she added. "To lose her leaves a gap there but we have had that happen before and players have to step up and show what they are made of. Chelsea defender Millie Bright withdrew this week from the two Nations League games saying she was "mentally and physically" at her limit and needed a break. "She has to take care of herself," Wiegman said of Bright's absence. "We are in conversation. We will stay in contact and I hope she feels better soon but I don't know that yet at the moment." England also lost Tottenham Hotspur defender Ella Morris to a knee ligament injury while Ella Toone and Alessia Russo will miss Friday's game. Chelsea striker Lauren James, who has not played since April 4 due to a hamstring injury, is on course to be fit for England's European title defence. "She is in a good place in rehab," Wiegman said. "She has ticked the boxes she needs to tick and we are progressing her. We hope she keeps moving forward and can join the team later on." England play Spain in the Nations League in Barcelona on Tuesday. Wiegman will announce her Euro squad on June 5 and the tournament in Switzerland starts on July 2.
