Latest news with #pre-WorldCup
Daily Record
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Andy Robertson reveals why Scotland squad has come under friendly fire from Steve Clarke
The national team are preparing for their upcoming double-header against Iceland and Liechtenstein Captain Andy Robertson has admitted the Scotland squad has come under friendly fire from their own manager. The Scots have two upcoming friendlies against Iceland at home tomorrow and then away to Liechtenstein. Scotland have won just one of their last nine friendlies and that is something that boss Steve Clarke has stressed that he wants his squad to rectify, to build some pre-World Cup qualifying momentum. Robertson confirmed: 'I think the manager's made it quite clear this week with our record in the friendlies that we have had. It hasn't been very good, so we obviously want to try and change that. 'There's nothing that can replace competitive games. We love playing competitive games, that's what we're all about. We try and use the friendlies. We try and get as much out of them as possible.' The Liverpool star also expects a reaction from the Scotland camp after they lost their Nations League clash at home to Greece and were relegated from the top tier. He claimed: 'I think there's an edge anyway, because I think we want to get back to winning games. We want to get back to feeling good, obviously. 'With what happened in March, it kind of gets forgotten that we actually won away from home and we put in a really good performance against Greece, especially the first half. 'Obviously you then, in a two-legged tie, you have to go out and see it out and that's the way football works. All the hard work that we put in over there gets forgotten because of how disappointing the result was back here.' Robertson believes these games will be vital to build on ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign, which starts away to Denmark in September. They also face Belarus and Greece again. He stated: 'Obviously, we've got a big year coming up in terms of the World Cup qualifiers and hopefully these two games can stand us in good stead for the six games coming up. 'I think we can start with these first two, and then it's about building a squad and seeing what we've got as a full package going into the World Cup qualifying. 'I think the last time we showed there wasn't much room for error. We had a pretty perfect campaign, and we still missed out. We need to try and go one better this time.' Clarke has introduced a number of new caps to his squad in recent camps and the likes of Max Johnston, James Wilson, Lennon Miller and Kieron Bowie are all making their mark. He thinks Scotland's long-term future looks to be in safe hands. The skipper claimed: 'I think them understanding the standards in training and how difficult international football is crucial. I know from my experience, the younger that I experienced that, the better it was. 'Then I just kind of grew into it, and so did John (McGinn) and we kind of did it together. Hopefully, these lads can do it together. 'Maybe in 10 years' time, I can be watching them at the World Cup. I think these lads are showing a different level. Their mentality is good, from what we can see. 'Obviously, they don't work to be at club level and things like that, but you still do your background checks and you know how good they are.' Roberson knows the key is giving them the space to grow. He added: 'It's just up to them to go and fulfil their potential. You don't want to put too much pressure on them. "You don't want to overhype them or anything like that, but you also have to try and guide them on the way. "I think that's now our role, to try and help them. If one of them puts in a good performance tomorrow for you guys, maybe not to get carried away and let them grow.' Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football and listen to Record Sport's newest podcast, Game On, every Friday for your sporting fix, all in bitesize chunks.
STV News
2 days ago
- General
- STV News
Scotland aiming for record when England visit in Women's Six Nations
Scotland are aiming to host the country's biggest-ever crowd for a women's standalone sporting event after it was revealed that next year's Guinness Women's Six Nations showdown with England will take place at Murrayfield Stadium. The Scots have played their home matches at Edinburgh's 7,800-capacity Hive Stadium since 2021. However, Scottish Rugby, encouraged by growing interest in the women's game, announced that next April's showpiece fixture against England will be staged at the 67,000-capacity national stadium. The organisation's head of women and girls' strategy, Gemma Fay, is hoping they can drum up an even a bigger crowd than the 18,555 that watched Scotland's women's football team in a pre-World Cup friendly at Hampden in May 2019. 'We know the current record exists with Scottish football right now, and I was there,' said Fay, a former Scotland footballer. 'It was a wonderful day, an amazing atmosphere, and we want to replicate that out here. 'We want to do even better. And if other teams want to challenge us to get that highest standalone women's sporting event in Scotland, please do, because we want to push everybody together. 'For us, this is not just about raising the standard, the awareness and the visibility of Scottish women's rugby in a Rugby World Cup year. This is about everybody in women's sport in Scotland raising that together, because we know ourselves that we can only do this together with the other sports. 'We've got just under a year to sell this fixture, that was purposeful. We've got a wonderful World Cup to look forward to that's happening in England. That's already record-breaking (in terms of ticket sales) and we want to use that momentum to push us forward.' Scotland Women have played at Murrayfield only twice before – but never on the scale anticipated next April. Full-back Chloe Rollie is relishing the chance to represent her country in front of a big crowd at the national stadium. 'Over the years I've been to Murrayfield a lot to support the men's team and I wished I could run up and down that pitch, be there catching a high ball with the team that I'm with just now and making memories like that,' said the 29-year-old. 'I didn't think this would ever happen, I played at Broadwood, my first cap (in 2015), there were maybe not even 200 people there and 75 per cent of that was family and friends, so it was almost like you played the game and that was it, there were no fans there wanting autographs or wanting pictures. 'To see where it is now, you're taking an hour to get through the tunnel because you've got people asking for autographs, asking for pictures, asking for your boots, your socks etc, it's really amazing to see that change and to have that opportunity again to raise those numbers is massive.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Tuchel wants England to feel the heat before World Cup boot camp in Miami
Thomas Tuchel is planning a warm-weather training break for his England squad next March followed by a pre-World Cup boot camp in Miami in June because of concerns about the impact of high temperatures on the players during the tournament in the US. The England head coach has altered the Football Association's usual travel itinerary this week by taking his squad to Barcelona for a six-day training camp to work them hard in the heat before the World Cup qualifier against Andorra on Saturday. Similar trips are on the agenda for next year. Advertisement Related: Tuchel tells Alexander-Arnold to take England defensive role 'very seriously' Tuchel is working with the FA's medical and sports science departments on strategies to mitigate the effects of high temperatures and he is also keen to give the players as much exposure to extreme conditions as possible. The German intends to pay particular attention to the physical condition of the players when attending games at the Club World Cup this month, while the FA will also send operational staff to the tournament in the US to scout for World Cup training bases and hotels. Tuchel is understood to have expressed a preference for a pre-World Cup training camp in Miami in 12 months' time before England move to their tournament base. The location of the base will depend on the December draw. A long-haul trip for warm-weather training during the March international break may be unpopular with club managers concerned about potential burnout before the Premier League and Champions League run-in, but that will not concern Tuchel. Advertisement After his first game in charge against Albania in March, Tuchel warned top-flight managers that he intended to pick his strongest side whenever possible. The 51-year-old also questioned Mikel Arteta's decision to select Declan Rice for the second leg of Arsenal's Champions League last-16 tie against PSV Eindhoven the previous week, given they had won the first leg 7-1. Tuchel will have the freedom to take his side away next season if England win their World Cup qualifying group to avoid the playoffs. The FA would normally stage two lucrative matches at Wembley before a summer tournament but will support Tuchel' s plans to go away if he concludes it is the best preparation for the World Cup. While the destination has yet to be decided the Middle East is a possibility given the world-class training facilities on offer in hot conditions and the smaller time difference compared with travelling to the US. FA sources said the final decision would be made at the end of England's qualifying campaign.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Canada bully Wallaroos in World Cup reality check
The Canadian juggernaut have offered the new-look Wallaroos a harsh pre-World Cup reminder of their standing with a 45-7 Test win in Brisbane. World No.2 Canada dominated every aspect of Friday afternoon's clash, only the second time Australia's women have graced Suncorp Stadium. Down 21-0 after 20 minutes, the hosts were lucky not to concede more than one extra try before the break, although there was a response to begin the second stanza. A strong tackle-busting effort from winger Desiree Miller to score was brief respite though in a dominant Canadian performance. Australia, ranked sixth in the world, beat world No.8 USA last weekend after a comprehensive loss to No.3 New Zealand to begin the Pacific Four Series. Canada drew with New Zealand last week and will enter August's World Cup in England, where the hosts top the rankings, confident of bringing the trophy back with them. In seven World Cups Australia have a sole third-placed finish and otherwise finished no higher than fifth. "Would have loved the win last weekend but had to move on quickly," Canadian captain Alex Tessier said. "Very proud; a decent win and put a lot of points on the board. "The Pac Four plays a huge role (for the World Cup) ... which is coming up quite quickly." The visitor's forward pack was rampaging in the first half, Australia unable to plug the gaps in defence and hesitant with ball in hand while their line-out struggled to function. Sevens convert Charlotte Caslick had her moments in her first Test at inside centre, making a strong covering tackle to save a try and darting through the line whenever the opportunity presented. The Wallaroos' replacement forwards also made an impact, reserve hooker Adiana Talakai unlucky to have a try disallowed after her injection after halftime. Australia captain and back-rower Siokapesi Palu was another bright spot for the side but admitted her team had work to do with three Tests left before their World Cup opener. "Canada were really physical, and set piece again was challenging," she said. "We know they're a quality side and we really need to step up moving forward."
The Advertiser
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Canada bully Wallaroos in World Cup reality check
The Canadian juggernaut have offered the new-look Wallaroos a harsh pre-World Cup reminder of their standing with a 45-7 Test win in Brisbane. World No.2 Canada dominated every aspect of Friday afternoon's clash, only the second time Australia's women have graced Suncorp Stadium. Down 21-0 after 20 minutes, the hosts were lucky not to concede more than one extra try before the break, although there was a response to begin the second stanza. A strong tackle-busting effort from winger Desiree Miller to score was brief respite though in a dominant Canadian performance. Australia, ranked sixth in the world, beat world No.8 USA last weekend after a comprehensive loss to No.3 New Zealand to begin the Pacific Four Series. Canada drew with New Zealand last week and will enter August's World Cup in England, where the hosts top the rankings, confident of bringing the trophy back with them. In seven World Cups Australia have a sole third-placed finish and otherwise finished no higher than fifth. "Would have loved the win last weekend but had to move on quickly," Canadian captain Alex Tessier said. "Very proud; a decent win and put a lot of points on the board. "The Pac Four plays a huge role (for the World Cup) ... which is coming up quite quickly." The visitor's forward pack was rampaging in the first half, Australia unable to plug the gaps in defence and hesitant with ball in hand while their line-out struggled to function. Sevens convert Charlotte Caslick had her moments in her first Test at inside centre, making a strong covering tackle to save a try and darting through the line whenever the opportunity presented. The Wallaroos' replacement forwards also made an impact, reserve hooker Adiana Talakai unlucky to have a try disallowed after her injection after halftime. Australia captain and back-rower Siokapesi Palu was another bright spot for the side but admitted her team had work to do with three Tests left before their World Cup opener. "Canada were really physical, and set piece again was challenging," she said. "We know they're a quality side and we really need to step up moving forward." The Canadian juggernaut have offered the new-look Wallaroos a harsh pre-World Cup reminder of their standing with a 45-7 Test win in Brisbane. World No.2 Canada dominated every aspect of Friday afternoon's clash, only the second time Australia's women have graced Suncorp Stadium. Down 21-0 after 20 minutes, the hosts were lucky not to concede more than one extra try before the break, although there was a response to begin the second stanza. A strong tackle-busting effort from winger Desiree Miller to score was brief respite though in a dominant Canadian performance. Australia, ranked sixth in the world, beat world No.8 USA last weekend after a comprehensive loss to No.3 New Zealand to begin the Pacific Four Series. Canada drew with New Zealand last week and will enter August's World Cup in England, where the hosts top the rankings, confident of bringing the trophy back with them. In seven World Cups Australia have a sole third-placed finish and otherwise finished no higher than fifth. "Would have loved the win last weekend but had to move on quickly," Canadian captain Alex Tessier said. "Very proud; a decent win and put a lot of points on the board. "The Pac Four plays a huge role (for the World Cup) ... which is coming up quite quickly." The visitor's forward pack was rampaging in the first half, Australia unable to plug the gaps in defence and hesitant with ball in hand while their line-out struggled to function. Sevens convert Charlotte Caslick had her moments in her first Test at inside centre, making a strong covering tackle to save a try and darting through the line whenever the opportunity presented. The Wallaroos' replacement forwards also made an impact, reserve hooker Adiana Talakai unlucky to have a try disallowed after her injection after halftime. Australia captain and back-rower Siokapesi Palu was another bright spot for the side but admitted her team had work to do with three Tests left before their World Cup opener. "Canada were really physical, and set piece again was challenging," she said. "We know they're a quality side and we really need to step up moving forward." The Canadian juggernaut have offered the new-look Wallaroos a harsh pre-World Cup reminder of their standing with a 45-7 Test win in Brisbane. World No.2 Canada dominated every aspect of Friday afternoon's clash, only the second time Australia's women have graced Suncorp Stadium. Down 21-0 after 20 minutes, the hosts were lucky not to concede more than one extra try before the break, although there was a response to begin the second stanza. A strong tackle-busting effort from winger Desiree Miller to score was brief respite though in a dominant Canadian performance. Australia, ranked sixth in the world, beat world No.8 USA last weekend after a comprehensive loss to No.3 New Zealand to begin the Pacific Four Series. Canada drew with New Zealand last week and will enter August's World Cup in England, where the hosts top the rankings, confident of bringing the trophy back with them. In seven World Cups Australia have a sole third-placed finish and otherwise finished no higher than fifth. "Would have loved the win last weekend but had to move on quickly," Canadian captain Alex Tessier said. "Very proud; a decent win and put a lot of points on the board. "The Pac Four plays a huge role (for the World Cup) ... which is coming up quite quickly." The visitor's forward pack was rampaging in the first half, Australia unable to plug the gaps in defence and hesitant with ball in hand while their line-out struggled to function. Sevens convert Charlotte Caslick had her moments in her first Test at inside centre, making a strong covering tackle to save a try and darting through the line whenever the opportunity presented. The Wallaroos' replacement forwards also made an impact, reserve hooker Adiana Talakai unlucky to have a try disallowed after her injection after halftime. Australia captain and back-rower Siokapesi Palu was another bright spot for the side but admitted her team had work to do with three Tests left before their World Cup opener. "Canada were really physical, and set piece again was challenging," she said. "We know they're a quality side and we really need to step up moving forward."
