We can expect plenty of action down Barcelona’s left side and Chelsea’s right, which is where both sides create the majority of their chances. Ibaceta anticipates Chelsea will have plenty of space on that side – setting up the prospect of a fascinating tactical battle as the likes of Lucy Bronze and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd...
“I was terrified to be anywhere near a rugby pitch or a rugby ball.” Following a second neck injury in February 2024, the thought of playing again was a huge ask for England wing Claudia MacDonald, who had already considered retirement. A comeback that seemed nearly impossible, when MacDonald barely left her house after being...
England: Kildunne; Dow, Jones, Shekells, MacDonald; Aitchison, L Packer; Clifford, Atkin-Davies, Bern, Galligan, Ward, Aldcroft (capt), M Packer, Feaunati. Replacements: Campbell, Botterman, Muir, Talling, Matthews, Hunt, Rowland, Scarratt. Scotland: Rollie; Lloyd, Orr, Thomson, McGhie; Nelson (capt), Mattison; Young, Skeldon, Clarke, Bonar, Boyd, Gallagher, McLachlan, Konkel. Replacements: Martin, Bartlett, Poolman, Ferrie, Bell, Clarke, Phillips Scott. Referee:...
While Arsenal will be disappointed with the result, Slegers’ side will take confidence from their ability to create so many chances against Europe’s elite. “You will be excited about the amount of opportunities,” former Liverpool forward Natasha Dowie said on BBC Radio 5 Live. “It would be a different game if you come away and...
West Indies have failed to reach the Women’s World Cup for the first time in 25 years after finishing their qualifying games 0.01 behind Bangladesh on run rate. After restricting Thailand to 166, West Indies needed to chase their target down in 10 overs to overhaul second-placed Bangladesh’s net run-rate advantage. They made a blistering...
Mitchell opted to only make three changes from his side’s hammering of Wales in Cardiff to the comfortable win in Ireland last Saturday, with a large majority of his frontline stars, who were involved in last year’s Grand Slam win over France in Bordeaux and WXV1 title triumph, starting. Nine changes for the game against...
Lyon’s squad includes France forward Kadidiatou Diani and Haitian midfielder Melchie Dumornay, who have shared nine goals and six assists in the Champions League this season, and 2018 Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg. Despite their opponents’ form and personnel, Beattie has backed Arsenal to reach the final. “I think Lyon are there for the taking,”...
Chelsea’s final Premier League home game of the season against Manchester United has been moved to ensure there is no clash with the Women’s FA Cup final between the two teams on Sunday, 18 May. Instead, the Premier League game will be played on Friday, 16 May, with a 20:00 BST kick-off. It will be...
Norwich City Women are hoping that a return to Carrow Road for their final league game of the season can be a springboard for a strong promotion push next term. Andy Cook’s side are second in the table ahead of the game against Queen’s Park Rangers on 27 April, but cannot catch champions Real Bedford,...
Mitchell has opted to change his half-backs as Lucy Packer and Holly Aitchison come in for Natasha Hunt and Zoe Harrison. Saracens’ Harrison has impressed in victories over Wales and Ireland to put pressure on Bristol Bears’ Aitchison, who makes her first start at fly-half this Six Nations after being Mitchell’s main starting 10 in...
Scotland’s hopes of progressing at the Women’s World Cup qualifier suffered a blow following a 34-run defeat by Bangladesh in Lahore. Bangladesh and hosts Pakistan each have 100% records after three matches and are well placed to claim the two available spots at the autumn World Cup in India. Scotland face Ireland in their final...
Ireland secured their first win at the Women’s World Cup qualifier in Pakistan as they defeated Thailand by 46 runs in a high-scoring contest. The Irish side’s hopes of securing a place at the World Cup in September had been been ended by defeats against hosts Pakistan, West Indies and Bangladesh. Amy Hunter top-scored for...
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 team. The 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...
“It was a really composed, committed, professional performance, some really well worked goals, six for ‘Pesk’ which is remarkable, and a collective team effort that has put us in a really strong position,” said Sheehan. “We have to enjoy the feeling that we have currently but we still have one game to go and want...
After playing a starring role in Tottenham’s run to a first FA Cup final last season, on-loan Grace Clinton was forced to watch from the sidelines at Wembley as her parent club Manchester United claimed the trophy. This time round she is hoping to play a major role, having scored the crucial second goal against...