Questions over formation and freshness to the fore after the Lionesses’ somewhat lucky win over DenmarkIt is testament to the growing strength of the women’s game that a side as decent as Denmark have failed to qualify for this summer’s tournament. The beaten finalists at Euro 2017 lost again here, but were frequently the better team and succeeded in highlighting England’s new-found defensive disorganisation. Related: Nikita Parris and Jill Scott give England timely boost against Denmark Continue reading...
With 40 days to the tournament and the BBC showing all matches, the spectacle must not hide the game’s need for big investmentYou know you’re getting on a bit when life suddenly jolts you into the present, when baby steps that happened while you were busy pottering from the tooth fairy to life insurance have somehow become a revolution. Let me tell you a story. Not far away lives a teenager I’ve known since she started primary school in the same year as my daughter. From reception class onwards she was an amazing sportswoman – the fastest runner, the most agile tag rugby player with the quickest hands and, above all, the noblest footballer.She is driven and ridiculously competitive and...
Gone are the hand-me-downs and adapted men’s kits – women have been calling the shots before this summer’s World Cup“When we work with the men, they say a tight fit made them feel like a superhero, but for women it’s different. They want to feel comfortable and covered and professional,” says Cassie Looker.Looker is the senior apparel product manager in global football at Nike and has spearheaded the design and production of the first bespoke women’s kits for the teams it is partnered with at this summer’s World Cup. It launched them with an unveiling in Paris involving leading female athletes from across the sporting world and top models. Related: Toni Duggan: ‘I’ve been bigging up the Spain game like...
The SheBelieves Cup triumph came at a perfect time in the team’s journey. They are exactly where they need to be only three months before France 2019England’s first SheBelieves Cup triumph is a sign of the progress they have made and their huge potential come the World Cup in June. When you look at their recent results, the quality of the Super League in comparison with other competitions around the world, the success English teams are enjoying in the Champions League and the number of English players at top clubs across Europe, we can no longer be surprised when England win prestigious tournaments. It is what we should be expecting and this victory in the US has come at a...
Phil Neville knows the names of his players’ pet dogs, but with the World Cup looming his squad need to be more clinical on the fieldEngland face two big tests in their preparations for the World Cup when they play Brazil and Australia in the next few days and I’m really excited to watch how they cope with stronger opposition having booked their World Cup spot in France.After watching the qualification campaign, it was hard to say that England looked ready to win a World Cup but these two games could be an indication of progress under Phil Neville. Related: Sport enters the WhatsApp age and dreads ever being asked to leave | Emma John The USA are always strong...