Latest news with #Women'sEuropeanChampionships
Scottish Sun
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Eni Aluko snubbed by ITV for Lionesses' first match since Ian Wright row with pundit's future up in air
Luk away Eni Aluko snubbed by ITV for Lionesses' first match since Ian Wright row with pundit's future up in air Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ENI ALUKO has reportedly been ditched by ITV for England Women's first match since she accused Ian Wright of blocking opportunities for female pundits. The former Lioness star claimed in April that Wright, who works as a pundit on both men's and women's football matches, was blocking work opportunities for female pundits to work on women's football. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Eni Aluko has been snubbed by ITV for pundit duty for England Women's first game since her row with Ian Wright Credit: Getty 2 She had accused the pundit of blocking opportunities for female pundits Credit: Getty Aluko later apologised to Wright, though the ex-Arsenal ace rejected her apology. And following that exchange, ITV have not selected Aluko for punditry duty as the Lionesses face Portugal in the Nations League on Friday night. The broadcaster has selected Anita Asante and Vicky Losada for punditry duty instead. And according to the Daily Mail, the broadcaster has refused to confirm whether Aluko will be part of their coverage of the Women's European Championships. Insiders claim she may even be facing the axe completely, with one saying the choice to not select her for coverage against Portugal "does not bode well" for her. ITV have been approached for comment. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.. The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.
Wales Online
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Pub hours to be extended across country this summer if football teams do well
Pub hours to be extended across country this summer if football teams do well The Home Office has announced special measures for pubs this summer Wales fans watching the national team in the pub Pubs will be allowed to stay open until 1am if England or Wales reach the semi-finals or final of the Uefa Women's European Championships, the Home Office has announced. Closing hours will be put back from the usual 11pm cut off so football fans can get extra time together to celebrate, if either home nation reaches the final stages of the Women's Euros in July. Licensing hours can be relaxed to mark an occasion of "exceptional national significance" and England's Lionesses are defending champions while Wales have qualified for the competition for the first time. Both teams have been drawn in the same group, alongside France and the Netherlands. Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson said: "Nothing quite brings people together like watching our national football teams, which is why we want fans to be able to enjoy every minute of these matches. "We will extend licensing hours should either team progress through the tournament, to allow supporters to watch and celebrate together for longer. Article continues below "I want to wish the best of luck to both teams and let's hope for some more memorable nights this summer." She added: "This summer marks a historic milestone for Welsh football as the women's national team head to their first ever major international tournament. It's a remarkable achievement that all of Wales can be incredibly proud of and we all remember the Welsh men's team qualifying for their own Euros semi-finals in 2016. "Welsh pubs have long been at the heart of communities across the nation, bringing people together to celebrate their sporting heroes. That's why I'm delighted to announce that should Wales progress to the later stages of the tournament, pubs can keep their doors open for an additional two hours. "From Cardiff to Conwy, supporters have a chance to come together and potentially witness Welsh footballing history being made. I hope this extension will give them more opportunity to create that famous Welsh atmosphere in pubs throughout the country as they cheer on the team. "Pob lwc i Gymru! Good luck Wales!" The semi-finals take place on July 22 and July 23 while the final kicks off on July 27. Any home nation glory on the pitch could also see success for the hospitality industry which has welcomed the move to keep the doors open for longer. The announcement is being made now ahead of the tournament - in Switzerland from July 2 to 27 - so pubs can sort out stock and staffing. It also gives enough time to arrange the statutory instruments needed potentially to extend opening hours before Parliament's summer recess. Night Time Industries Association chief executive Michael Kill described the extended hours as "a positive and progressive move that recognises the growing popularity of women's football and its cultural significance across the UK". He said: "Much like previous extensions for national celebrations, this decision will give communities the opportunity to come together and celebrate in a safe and responsible way, while also providing a welcome boost to the night-time economy. "It represents a valuable opportunity for hospitality businesses to maximise trade during a major event - particularly important in today's extremely challenging economic climate." British Beer and Pub Association chief executive Emma McClarkin said: "The pub is the home of live sport. "Nothing compares when it comes to bringing atmosphere and camaraderie to watching the football live, and we expect supporters will be flocking to their local to cheer on our brilliant teams. "Our sector plays a huge part in boosting community spirit, and extending licensing hours means people can gather for longer and host even more events that cheer on our squads." Billing the pub as "the best place to watch the Women's Euros", UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: "The success of the Lionesses, in particular, has captured the heart of the nation and I know communities will be flocking to the pub to cheer on both England and Wales. "I'm pleased the Government has acted early with this decision, which will help pubs plan their activity during the tournament." England will be hoping to defend the title they won at Wembley Stadium in July 2022 when they beat Germany in the final. The two home nations will face off during this year's tournament group stages on Sunday 13 July in St Gallen. England will face France on July 5 when Wales will play the Netherlands. On July 9 England will play the Netherlands while Wales's opponents will be the Netherlands. Article continues below Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate licensing regimes.
New York Times
15-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
England assistant coach Arjan Veurink to become Netherlands head coach after Euro 2025
England assistant head coach Arjan Veurink will depart Sarina Wiegman's dugout after this summer's Women's European Championships to become head coach of the Netherlands. Veurink has prior experience with the Dutch national team, having served as an assistant under Wiegman from 2017 to 2021, winning Euro 2017 and reaching the 2019 World Cup final. Advertisement The 38-year-old followed Wiegman to England in 2021 and helped the Lionesses win Euro 2022 the following year. 'This is not only an incredible challenge and an exciting new adventure, but it also feels like a logical next step in my career,' said Veurink. 'I have never hidden my ambition to one day take on the lead role with the Dutch national team. 'After over eight years of experience at the highest level as Sarina Wiegman's right-hand man, first with the Netherlands and now in England, I feel ready to stand on my own. The fact that this opportunity arises in the Netherlands makes it all the more special. 'For now, I will focus on concluding my time in England in style over the coming months, and after the Euros, I look forward to beginning this new chapter in Zeist.' Veurink was born in Ommen in the Dutch province of Overijssel and took his first senior coaching job with FC Twente Women in 2012, having previously worked as an assistant coach at the club from 2008 to 2010. Under Veurink, Twente won the BeNe League — a joint Belgian and Dutch top flight that existed between 2012 and 2015 — twice and were crowned Dutch national champions on four occasions. He was then hired to serve under Wiegman with the national team before making the move to the Lionesses. He helped guide the side to the 2023 World Cup final, where they were defeated by Spain. 'Arjan has a rich history in women's football and has closely witnessed the developments in international women's football over the past fifteen years,' said Nigel de Jong, former Netherlands men's midfielder and technical director of the Dutch football federation. 'He understands the demands at the highest level and recognizes the importance of maintaining connections with the grassroots. 'We would like to thank the English Football Association for their cooperation.' Advertisement Euro 2025 is scheduled to run from July 2-27 in Switzerland where England will seek to defend their title. Analysis from women's football writer Charlotte Harpur Dubbed a 'tactical genius' by some of the England squad, Veurink's departure is a huge blow for the Lionesses, both for the players and Wiegman. He is extremely well liked by the squad, firstly for his insightful feedback, process-driven approach and eye for detail but also for his genial character and good sense of humour. They nicknamed him 'Van Gerwen' — after the Dutch darts player — as he can often be found practising hitting the bullseye in camp. Veurink has had previous experience of being a head coach at FC Twente and he has gained invaluable experience as Wiegman's assistant for the last eight years. This seems a natural step for Veurink and a move that the England FA presumably would have always feared. He only signed a contract extension in January 2024 at the same time Wiegman extended until after the 2027 World Cup. Having been her right-hand man for so long during which the Lionesses won the Euros and reached a World Cup final, the big question is how will Wiegman replace him? ()
