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BBC News
an hour ago
- Health
- BBC News
Northern Ireland's record goalscorer Furness retires
Rachel Furness, Northern Ireland's record goalscorer, has announced her retirement from club level, the 36-year-old played for a number of sides in England including Sunderland, Reading, Tottenham, Liverpool, Bristol City and Newcastle United. After making her international debut in 2005, the midfielder won 95 caps and scored 38 goals for Northern played a key role in NI's qualification for the Euro 2022 finals - the county's first major women's final Northern Ireland appearance came away to Hungary in the Nations League in October 2023, although she was recently recalled in April's international window and was part of the squad for Nations League matches with Poland and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Born in Newcastle and qualifying for Northern Ireland through her mother and grandfather, Furness made her senior international debut as a teenager in 2005 - shortly after the team had been was integral to Northern Ireland's historic qualification for Euro 2022, scoring five goals, and her dedication to her country was showcased in the play-off first leg in scoring the opening goal, she attempted to play on despite sustaining what turned out to be a broken leg. In the second leg, she was there heading every ball and cheering every tackle whilst on crutches on the recovered and became Northern Ireland's record goalscorer in November 2021 when she netted twice in a World Cup qualifying win over North Macedonia at played in all three matches at the finals in Southampton, delayed a year by Covid, providing the assist for Julie Nelson's famous header against stepped away from international duty following the tournament, which she later revealed in an emotional interview to BBC Sport NI was to look after her mental health. She made a long-awaited return to the squad away to Wales the following April, and her last cap came in Hungary in October 2023 as injuries limited her her standing was still clear when she was drafted in as a last-minute call up for April's game at home to Romania, providing crucial experience in a young squad, and she retained her place for the concluding fixtures in the Women's Nations League campaign. After starting her club career at Sunderland, Furness had a stint a Newcastle United, where she recovered from a serious knee injury before she spent a summer in Iceland with Grindavik in returned to England with Sunderland, where she won the Premier League Nations Division title in her six years at the Sunderland reverted to part-time status, Furness moved on to Reading in 2017 and had a loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur. The most successful stint of her club career, which also aligned with Northern Ireland's historic spell, came when she signed for Liverpool in 2019. Furness helped Liverpool back to the top flight in 2023 and made it back-to-back Championship titles when she played an integral role in Bristol City's promotion the following her dream had always been to play for her childhood club, Newcastle, and she signed a one-year deal in July. It was fitting that she got to live out her dream at Newcastle, and although injuries limited her involvement throughout the season, she helped the Magpies to fifth place in the Championship table. Analysis - one of NI's most impactful players With injuries limiting her minutes and Tanya Oxtoby's youthful approach, Furness' news is not entirely unexpected but does signal the latest changing of the guard for Northern just like when Marissa Callaghan announced her retirement, is it sad to see another of Northern Ireland's history-making Euro 2022 squad call time on their time in a player, Furness will be remembered as a fearless competitor who made history by becoming the record goalscorer for her of the most important strikes was in the historic Euro 2022 play-off first leg in Ukraine, when she netted the opening goal before she tried to play on after sustaining a broken leg. That sums up her dedication to her country. Away from her goals, one of the standout memories of Furness is her dancing around with her crutches in the air after the play-off win over also had a huge impact off the pitch, and her openness about her mental health struggles were inspiring as she encouraged other players to be open about their feelings and to stand up for their story is one of resilience and perseverance, and her all-round presence, not just her footballing ability, means she will be regarded as one of the most impactful players in Northern Ireland's storied history.
The Independent
2 days ago
- General
- The Independent
Fran Kirby announces international retirement ahead of Euro 2025
Fran Kirby has announced her retirement from international football becoming the second Lioness to retire ahead of the European Championship following the previous departure of goalkeeper Mary Earps. Kirby's retirement begins with immediate effect and she was left out of the England squad that suffered a 2-1 defeat to Spain in their final Nations League match on Tuesday evening. She was also informed that she would not be part of England's Euro 2025 squad. The midfielder won 77 caps and scored 19 goals with England having represented her country at four major tournaments famously winning Euro 2022. As well as success at the last European Championship, she was part of the bronze-medal winning squad at the Fifa Women's World Cup 2015. Kirby made her international debut for England in August 2014, scoring in a 4-0 win against Sweden and her last appearance came at Wembley as the Lionesses defeated Portugal 6-0 in the Nations League last Friday. Announcing her retirement Kirby wrote: 'After being in the England team since I was 21, it's time to close that chapter of my life. I didn't ever want this day to come, but I cannot tell you how proud I am it happened. It's been the biggest honour to represent my country, one that I had only dreamt about as a young girl. I've played with incredible players, worked with some incredible managers, played in some amazing tournaments and have some irreplaceable memories. 'My journey has been full of ups and downs, setbacks and achievements. Enough has been said and written about those, but regardless of whatever was thrown at me, I want you all to know that every time I put on that England badge I gave 100%. Every single call up, I accepted my role and did whatever was needed for the team. I wanted England to win. I've always been there to help England win. 'My mum had a dream of me representing my country, and I'm so proud I was able to do that and play in front of you all. I will never, ever forget the noise when my name is read out at a stadium. I was first selected when I was playing in WSL 2, I played a part in the game-changing World Cup, winning bronze in 2015, creating some memories of a lifetime. Starting in every game and winning the Euros in 2022 was a dream come true, to be a part of change in women's football was one of the best experiences I could have ever imagined. Thank you to you all, for embracing me as a young girl from Reading who had a dream. I hope you all know, wearing that badge was the greatest honour. To every young girl that suffers setbacks, just remember you can. You can. Forever a Lioness, Fran'. Addressing her retirement in an interview with the BBC, Kirby revealed that her plan was to retire following England's Euro 2025 campaign but missing out on making the squad forced her hand. 'It is something I have been thinking about for over a year,' she said, 'I knew this was going to be my last major tournament. The plan was to retire after the Euros but after speaking to Sarina I'm not going to make the squad. "It was like a dagger to my heart but also a weight off my shoulders all at the same time. It was emotional for both of us but we both respected what each person was saying." England boss, Sarina Wiegman, addressed Kirby's departure and claimed the midfielder was 'an inspiration' for what she achieved on the pitch. Wiegman said: 'Fran has given so much to England and has been an inspiration to so many for what she has achieved on and off the pitch. I have loved working with her, she is an amazing player and a great person. I fully understand her decision to say goodbye at this point in her wonderful career, and we will always be grateful for her incredible contribution to the team. 'I am just happy that she will continue to show her top ability in club football. Fran is a unique talent and plays football in a way that excites the fans and has earned the respect of all who have played with and against her. We will miss her of course and I look forward to the chance to honour her in the right way later this year.'
ABC News
3 days ago
- General
- ABC News
Montemurro named Matilda's coach
Samantha Donovan: Well, the long-running search for a new coach of Australia's favourite national sporting team is over. Joe Montemurro has been picked to lead the Matildas after a 10-month recruitment process. His first game in charge is only a few weeks away and the pressure is on for him to return the Tillys to the form they showed at the Home World Cup nearly two years ago. Myles Houlbrook-Walk prepared this report. Soccer Commentator: Courtney Vine can write the Matildas into history. Cue the party! Myles Houlbrook-Walk: It was an almighty peak for Australia's most popular sporting team. Watched on by millions, they won a thrilling penalty shootout against France and Brisbane to get through to the semi-final of the Women's Football World Cup. But since then, the team has floundered with a poor Olympics and then a long hunt for a new coach. Now, Football Australia is confident they've got the right person for the Matildas. Heather Garriock: We have finally got our man, the right man who will take this team to the next level. I am sure. This moment is now and Joe is the coach. Myles Houlbrook-Walk: They've picked Melbourne-born coach Joe Montemurro. The process to get him into the role took so long, the interim coach Tom Sermani says it was wasted time. Interim Chief Executive Heather Garriock today defended the length of the recruitment process and cited complex contractual arrangements. Heather Garriock: I don't think it's a missed opportunity. Everything happens for a reason. And I believe this moment is now and to have Joe with a French championship under his belt is only going to help the Matildas. Myles Houlbrook-Walk: So, who is Joe Montemurro? He's coached women's teams all over the world. Most recently, he led one of the most successful clubs, Lyon, to become champions of France. Joe Montemurro: I said to myself and obviously my wife and family and said, look, this is now an exciting cycle for the Matildas, the Asian Cup, World Cup, Olympic Games and the opportunity was too good. Myles Houlbrook-Walk: And with the Asian Cup just around the corner in March next year, Montemurro has a good feeling. Joe Montemurro: I can smell some success, so let's hope it goes that way. The only promise I make is that we will play an exciting brand of football and that the integrity and the level and the respect of the Matildas will always be at the top of my thinking. Myles Houlbrook-Walk: Amy Duggan played 27 games for the Matildas and believes the playing group is likely to be on board with his appointment. Amy Duggan: The girls will be comfortable with the decision. They'll be excited. And as I said, there's a number of Matildas who've been coached by him previously. So he is very familiar with the culture of Australian football, with a lot of the players and a lot of their history. Myles Houlbrook-Walk: Amy Duggan says there's not much time before Joe Montemurro's first major tournament, the Asian Cup, but it won't just be that tournament that he and the rest of the nation will want to see the Tillys do well in. Amy Duggan: The real work for the Asian Cup starts now. Players will be vying for places and what that means for the next four year cycle. Because it's not just the Asian Cup. He'll also have a World Cup and an Olympics over the next four years, too. So, yeah, Joe will hit the ground running. There's no doubt about that. And with the success that he's had previously, I'm hopeful that that will continue to be the blueprint for what's going to happen with the Matildas moving forward. Samantha Donovan: That's former Matildas player Amy Duggan. That report from Myles Houlbrook-Walk.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Football Australia get right coach in Joe Montemurro, but why did it take so long?
The appointment of Joe Montemurro as Tony Gustavsson's full-time successor on Monday ended a protracted, near year-long search that began when the Swede's contract expired following the Paris Olympics. Eventually, Football Australia got their man. And given the contradictory task that awaits the incoming coach, they probably couldn't have done better. Related: Joe Montemurro unveiled as new Matildas coach by Football Australia Advertisement As inevitable as it is to be forgotten in the hullabaloo as next year's Asian Cup approaches, Montemurro's tenure will be defined by significantly different expectations and circumstances than those faced by his predecessor. While Gustavsson was, in the words of outgoing chief executive James Johnson, a 'tournament coach' recruited to guide a golden generation to tournament success, the landscape greeting Montemurro has shifted. He inherits a team that has simultaneously had base expectations elevated by gilded heroes, many of whom are still in place but with the soil of generational change needing to be tilled. It's a role in which judgment will be immediate, but a true picture of his tenure won't emerge for years. Results reflective of the Matildas' status as an Asian power with designs on catching Japan will be demanded. That is not unfair. For all their success as changemakers and as the buttress of FA's balance sheets, winning was always this side's raison d'être. Japan will enter next year's Asian Cup as heavy favourites, , but it is not unreasonable to expect a talented team that finished fourth at the World Cup to go far in a tournament on home soil. Yet this needs to be balanced with a vision for what comes after a core playing group that has been in place for over a decade departs. A new generation won't just need to be exposed to the senior setup. They will, with the 2027 World Cup and 2028 Olympics approaching, begin to provide more starting players. Close cooperation with junior national teams and the A-League Women will be needed, tough calls will need to be made over ageing players, and greater jeopardy must be injected into squad selection. Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord, Katrina Gorry and Sam Kerr cannot play forever. Given this high-wire act – maintaining results while also embracing the grind of becoming 'head coach of the Matildas programme' – attracting top-drawer international talent was always going to be difficult. That is only compounded by the challenges associated with coaching a nation located a day's journey from football's epicentre, and one that does not possess the same level of prestige as major European or North American countries. Indeed, if Montemurro weren't Australian, it would be difficult to envisage him prematurely leaving a contract with superpower Lyon. Advertisement But he is Australian, which has helped FA land a coach who has a trophy cabinet laden with silverware earned across Australia, England, Italy and France. The former Brunswick Juventus midfielder has a vision of the style he wants his teams to play, and combines established relationships with members of the existing squad with a deep connection to Australian football and its pathways. Scrutiny will be important as there are questions; his record in major knockout fixtures is one, but others, such as the attrition that befell his small squads at Arsenal, will potentially be masked by a shift from club to international football. FA seems to have hit on the right outcome by appointing Montemurro. But unfortunately, the process that landed them here was anything but well executed – with potential flow-on effects for his tenure. By the time their new coach takes up his position, the Matildas will have logged five camps under Sermanni and played 13 games – crucial contact hours Montemurro won't get. The interim coach has done his best to blood new talent and prepare for the Asian Cup during this time, but the nature of his stop-gap role placed limitations on what he could do. This was obvious at SheBelieves Cup in January, when the extent to which their rivals were accelerating away while the Matildas sat in coaching purgatory was laid bare. Related: Matildas' European conquerors inspire new generation in Argentina win Advertisement Having allowed Gustavsson's contract to expire, his exit should have been well forecast by FA, something Johnson hinted at when he described himself as being 'comfortable' soon after. Meanwhile, it was May last year that Montemurro was a free agent – he signed with Lyon in June – and had a big come and get me banner effectively floating over the top of his head when back in Australia. And yet, somehow, it has taken nearly a year for the two to come together. Given his broader remit and that the Asian Cup takes place in less than a year, a fair assessment of Montemurro should, short of disaster, look beyond that tournament and towards his effort to oversee generational renewal during the 2027 and 2028 campaigns. But a home tournament, after the magic of 2023, likely doesn't afford that luxury, and the limited preparation he will get is a rod FA has built for the Matildas' back.
The Independent
5 days ago
- General
- The Independent
Sarina Wiegman still weighing up options before naming England's Euros squad
England boss Sarina Wiegman revealed she was still tinkering with options ahead of naming her squad for this summer's Euros on Thursday. Chelsea forward Aggie Beever-Jones certainly made a case for inclusion on Friday night, when she became just the second Lioness to score a hat-trick at Wembley in England's 6-0 Nations League dismantling of Portugal. Wiegman agreed she and her team needed to consider a number of factors – including fitness and relationships – when choosing which 23 players would defend England's title in Switzerland. 'Of course you want these connections,' said Wiegman. 'Some players play more together than others. You have your opponents and of course, we still have players that are building too, so can they go to the level they had before they had injuries? 'I don't know yet. We're still trying out things and finding the balance.' England must beat World Cup holders Spain in their final Nations League group-stage meeting on Tuesday to clinch top of their group and advance to the autumn knockouts, which will determine the 2025 winners. It is also a final opportunity for players who might feel they are on the fringe to fight for their spot in Switzerland. Clinching at least second spot in Group Three through the Portugal triumph means England avoid a more complicated play-off situation and secure a more-favourable qualifying pathway for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil. Long-term injured trio Alex Greenwood, Georgia Stanway and Lauren Hemp all returned to the pitch against Portugal, the latter starting and looking in form on Friday night. 'They've worked so hard to get where they are right now and that's what they showed,' added Wiegman. 'If you haven't put all the work in it to this point, then you cannot have a good performance, so I'm really happy with that. 'Of course we need to keep building, the Euros are really coming close and at the same time, we want to perform in the Nations League, so we are trying to find that balance.' One of the biggest questions ahead of Thursday's announcement is whether or not Chelsea forward Lauren James – who scored three goals and added three assists at the 2023 World Cup – will have recovered enough from the hamstring injury she sustained in April. Arsenal striker Alessia Russo was forced to sit out Friday night's encounter with a calf issue, but Wiegman said before the contest that she hoped the Women's Super League joint-Golden Boot winner would be available to face Spain. 'We have so many options up front in the squad right now,' Wiegman added. 'And what we also hope for is that LJ (James) is coming back too. 'She's already up and doing good, so trying to build her too, seeing what the competition of course will be. 'I hope every striker will be fit that we have now in the squad and LJ added to that, it's going to be really hard for me to make decisions for the Euros squad.'
