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...
From Semenya’s 30th win in a row, to powerful displays at Wembley, on bikes and in cars, women cast a blow against outdated attitudesThey may have failed to knock the Premier League title race completely out of the headlines, but whether they were pedalling into a 40mph block headwind on the Yorkshire coast, racing around the Hockenheimring, commanding primetime live coverage of their FA Cup final, or – in the shape of Caster Semenya and a woman who broke a marathon record dressed as a nurse – asking questions about gender distinctions, sportswomen had an extraordinary weekend. Related: Desiré Wilson believes the new W Series could propel a woman into Formula One Related: Caster Semenya is a victim of rules...
In women’s football, where you’re not used to big crowds, mindset can be the difference between winning and losingFrom when I was young the FA Cup final has always been the key date in the diary for women’s football. When I won it for the first time in 2005, in front of 8,500 people at Upton Park, it was long established as the marquee day for the women’s game, and it’s just kept growing since then. When Manchester City play West Ham at teatime on Saturday they are expecting a crowd in excess of 50,000.It’s a very special occasion, and playing in it has always been a huge privilege, but dealing with that kind of crowd at Wembley is a...
Arsenal’s triumph and Chelsea’s demise are proof of the unpredictability of women’s football and the excitement will surely rise with United and SpursA lot has been written about the battle at the top of the Premier League and the likelihood of Liverpool finishing in second place with more than 90 points. That two teams have kept pace and driven each other to the limit is hugely impressive. And as a result many a comment piece has lamented the misfortune of the Merseysiders’ bid for a first league title in 29 years. But when we are discussing teams that have run out of luck, spare a thought for Manchester City women.Nick Cushing’s team are one game from an unbeaten Women’s Super...
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...