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Ireland eye Turkish delight as Nations League business end begins

The 42

3 days ago

Sport
The 42

Ireland eye Turkish delight as Nations League business end begins

TO ISTANBUL, WHERE Ireland hit the business end of their Uefa Women's Nations League campaign. Carla Ward's side face Türkiye in their penultimate group game, a must-win if they are to stay in the race for automatic promotion to League A. Group B2 finishes as it started for Ireland: against Türkiye and Slovenia, the latter fixture a potential Páirc Uí Chaoimh shootout next Tuesday evening. Slovenia have been in the driving seat since stunning the top seeds 4-0 in Koper in February. They face Greece this evening, with Ireland hoping for a slip-up while focusing on their own task. 'First and foremost, we have to go and win this game,' said Ward. 'Hopefully, Greece can get something from Slovenia. If they don't, the first bite of the cherry would be to try and beat Slovenia by five because it goes on head-to-head. 'If we don't and we finish second, then we've got to second bite it with the play-offs in October. That's huge, and it's an understanding that if we finish second, that's okay. We have to then make sure that we get the job done in October.' Advertisement The aim, while a tall order, will be to finish it over the coming days. Aside from the excitement around Katie McCabe's Champions League success with Arsenal, the build-up has been relatively low-key. No harm, with off-field drama often overshadowing the football of late. The Irish squad linked up in Istanbul on Sunday, with most players in their club off-season. While the weather has been mixed, the vibes appear good. Katie McCabe (centre) celebrating Arsenal's Champions League win at the Emirates Stadium on Monday. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo McCabe and US-based duo Denise O'Sullivan and Kyra Carusa reported late, with yesterday's pre-match tune-up at Esenler Erokspor Stadium the first time all 24 players trained. Indeed, it was just the fourth time Ward has had her full complement on the training pitch since her first camp in charge in February. It all began with a scrappy, unconvincing 1-0 win over Türkiye. Carusa scored the winner for a much-changed Irish team on a cut-up pitch at Tallaght Stadium, but the gritty Turks — ranked 32 places inferior, 58th in the world — almost levelled matters late on. The Slovenia shocker followed in the same window, before Ireland got back on track with 4-0 and 2-1 wins over Greece. It has not quite been the same stroll as the inaugural Nations League B campaign in 2023 (100% record, 20 goals scored, two conceded), but the overriding message is that progress is being made. 'I think this will be a better camp than the first camp against the same opponents,' said Marissa Sheva this week. 'There was almost an overhaul of tactics from how we were previously playing. We're being encouraged to build out from the back more, be a little bit more aggressive from the get-go, trying to utilise our midfield more, and you can't change that overnight. 'I think we're in a much better position to give Türkiye a game and hopefully beat them by more than a goal.' Ward immediately moved away from the back three/five Ireland have played through the years, deploying a variation of 4-3-3 / 4-1-4-1. Five players have started every game of the new era: Courtney Brosnan, Anna Patten, Aoife Mannion, Denise O'Sullivan and Lucy Quinn, with Brosnan, Patten, Mannion and O'Sullivan playing every minute. McCabe played just one half of the Greece double-header due to injury and suspension, and while the captain is available for selection, she could again be held in reserve as an ongoing calf issue and fatigue are managed. Long-throw specialist Megan Campbell has been deputising at left-back, with Mannion also experimented, but the Manchester United player is making the right-back berth her own. Patten and Jessie Stapleton appear to be the favoured centre-half pairing, but Campbell and Megan Connolly have also featured there. Caitlin Hayes has fallen down the pecking order, while the retiring Louise Quinn is back in the fold for her swansong. Louise Quinn (left) and Jessi Stapleton in training yesterday. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO Ruesha Littlejohn appears to be Ward's preferred number six. Connolly and Tyler Toland are other options, while O'Sullivan has been combining well with Sheva, but the midfield could take any shape. The same applies further forward: A debut is possible for new call-up Erin Healy, but Carusa and Amber Barrett have both scored two goals apiece, and Ward has been impressed by the returning Saoirse Noonan. With Heather Payne and Leanne Kiernan out injured, Ireland are lacking in wide players: recent selections suggest Lucy Quinn will get the nod again, but Abbie Larkin or Emily Murphy could also be handed opportunities. Shelbourne midfielder Aoibheann Clancy and Bristol City defender Chloe Mustaki are among those on the fringes targeting minutes. Different oppositions require different players and approaches, but Ireland must be more purposeful in possession and test Türkiye. Goals are needed over these games, which have often proved challenging, and patience is required to break down low blocks. Related Reads Carla Ward: Türkiye a 'must-win game' as Ireland chase Nations League promotion 'A credit to the team': Inside Katie McCabe's Champions League final display Ireland send-off, future plans, and Katie McCabe's Champions League win The Turks sat deep in a 4-4-2 last time, aggressively zonal marking early on but also carrying a threat, with German-born Melike Pekel and Galatasaray's Ebru Topçu leading the charge for Necla Güngör Kırağası's improving side. They again will look to frustrate and counter, as day turns to night in Istanbul. (Temperatures should cool to 18 degrees for kick-off at 8pm local time.) But Ireland will focus on themselves, rather than Türkiye — or indeed Slovenia. Yes, they have a few bites at the cherry, but Carla Ward and co. will want to get the job done sooner rather than later. Turkish Delight would be the perfect start to the business end.

Mary Earps announces shock retirement from England Lionesses

Metro

5 days ago

Sport
Metro

Mary Earps announces shock retirement from England Lionesses

Mary Earps has announced her retirement from international football just 36 days before the start of England's Women's European Championship campaign. 'I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally,' Earps said in a statement. '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.' England manager, Sarina Wiegman, said she is 'disappointed' by Earps' decision. More Trending 'I had hoped that Mary would play an important role within the squad this summer, so of course I am disappointed,' said Wiegman. 'Mary has been clear on her reasons why she has made the decision and it is something we need to accept. 'Mary has made a huge contribution to not only the team, but the whole of English football. We will cherish those memories and of course give Mary the tributes she deserves after the summer but for now the focus needs to be on the upcoming Uefa Women's Nations League fixtures and the Euros.' More to follow… For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Ian Wright aims dig at Arsenal men's team after Women's Champions League win MORE: Arsenal stun Barcelona to win Women's Champions League final MORE: Man Utd's Grace Clinton bullish ahead of FA Cup final: 'Chelsea aren't invincible'

England assistant Veurink to become Dutch boss

BBC News

15-04-2025

Sport
BBC News

England assistant Veurink to become Dutch boss

England assistant coach Arjan Veurink is to leave his role at the end of this summer's European Championship to become head coach of the Netherlands' women's 38-year-old has worked with Dutch compatriot Sarina Wiegman since 2017, when they led their home country to victory in the European Championship, and moved with her in 2021 when she took over the England head coach their guidance, the Lionesses won the 2022 Euros and reached the World Cup final the following year."This is not only a great challenge and a wonderful new adventure, it also feels like a logical next step in my career," said Veurink, who will take over from Andries Jonker, and has signed a deal until the 2029 Euros. "I have never made a secret of the fact that I once wanted to be the person in charge of the Dutch national team. With more than eight years of experience at the highest level as Sarina Wiegman's right-hand man, first with the Netherlands and now in England, I am ready to stand on my own two feet. "The fact that this opportunity is now occurring in the Netherlands makes it extra special. I will now do everything I can to end the coming months in England in style."The Lionesses will face the Dutch in the group stages of this summer's Euros in Switzerland on Wednesday, 9 FA spokesperson said: "Arjan continues to be a highly valued and respected member of Sarina's team and has complete focus on the Lionesses' current Uefa Women's Nations League campaign and this summer's tournament. There's plenty more work to be done together before it's time to say our farewells." Head here to get involved

Sweden v Wales: Watch, listen & follow live

Yahoo

07-04-2025

Sport
Yahoo

Sweden v Wales: Watch, listen & follow live

Uefa Women's Nations League: Sweden v Wales Venue: Gamla Ullevi, Gothenburg Date: Tuesday, 8 April Kick-off: 18:00 BST Coverage: Live on BBC Two Wales, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio Wales and Radio Cymru, the BBC Sport website and app, plus live text commentary Highlights: S4C and iPlayer, 22:00 BST and later on demand. Rhian Wilkinson says Wales' players have a "great opportunity" to stake a claim for a Euro 2025 spot as they prepare to face Sweden without a number of key personnel. Wales' Nations League campaign continues on Tuesday as they face Sweden – ranked sixth in the world – at Gamla Ullevi in Gothenburg. In what would be a daunting trip at the best of times to face a powerhouse of women's football, Wilkinson will be without two cap centurions in Jess Fishlock and Sophie Ingle, while vice-captain Ceri Holland is also out after suffering a shin injury in Friday's 2-1 defeat to Denmark in Cardiff. Wales are also missing veteran striker Kayleigh Barton as they continue their preparation for Euro 2025, Wales women's first major tournament. "We have lost a lot of experience within the group, but equally we talk about depth and this is why we do it," Wilkinson told BBC Sport Wales. "It's a great opportunity and I'm sure someone is going to really rise to the occasion because there is space to do that." Injured Fishlock misses Wales' trip to Sweden Wales allay fears over Holland leg injury Wales boss Wilkinson will be feeling relieved about the bigger picture regarding injuries, especially the news that Liverpool midfielder Holland's injury is not as bad as first feared. Holland looked distraught as she came off on a stretcher with her leg in a protective boot, with Wales' medical staff fearing a potential fracture. However, Holland has escaped serious injury and Wilkinson says she "absolutely" expects her to be fit for the European Championship at the start of July. "We had to make sure we had the full picture on Ceri," Wilkinson explained. "A big thank you to our medical staff, obviously all medical staff are going to react quickly, but how fast we got her in [to hospital], imaging and then started her on her recovery. "It is obviously an injury that is going to take some coming back from, but I think equally, we all thought worst-case scenario when she was so distraught on the pitch, it was such a painful one as well. "She'll be out for the next little while, Liverpool will assess her, but we are all happy that it is not worse." Captain Angharad James says the positive news about Holland provided Wales' players with a huge boost. "We care for each other as humans," she said. "The job Ceri does on the field is significant. That's the first thing that goes through your head when someone goes down in the pain she was in. "It is a relief for us all that she will be on track and is recovering well. "It's a relief for us but now it is time for someone else to step up because like Rhian said, the whole squad is important and is valued. Whoever comes in [against Sweden] will be ready to go, that's the beauty of this squad we've got." Wales captain James feels several players will be ready to seize their opportunity ahead of a daunting test against Sweden. The Swedes were held to a 1-1 draw by Wales in Wrexham in February and are favourites to win the Nations League group, but James says there is "no panic about the injuries" within Wilkinson's squad. "Over the past few years we have grown as a group and we now have a squad that is ready to compete," James added. "Regardless of the number of injuries, we have players here ready who are just as good and understand the game-plan and are ready to step up. "I am excited to see that... we will give it our best shot." The home draw with Sweden ranks as one of Wales' best ever results and Wilkinson says she is excited to test her squad against a nation who regularly compete for major honours in the women's game. "We know Sweden is a really top nation. It was a fantastic result for us in Wrexham and now we are in their home stadium and know they are a dangerous team," she said. "It's a really great experience for us to be here and we are looking forward to putting on a show. "It's a great test for us. We aren't showing up here just to do our best. We are really looking forward to the game, it is an incredible challenge for us."

Injured Fishlock misses Wales' trip to Sweden