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Leicester City boss Willie Kirk is positive heading into the final game of the season Back “We want to be history makers" says Kirk ahead of WSL's final weekend Leicester City boss Willie Kirk is positive heading into the final game of the season LCFC Women 25 May 2023 By Paul Donegan Willie Kirk spoke to the media on Thursday afternoon ahead of Leicester’s crunch final day WSL match against Brighton on Saturday. A win for the Foxes will mean they are guaranteed safety whilst any other result leaves them relying on the Reading not winning. Kirk started by confirming there are no fresh injuries and Georgia Eaton-Collins is back in the squad. Ruby Mace is suspended for this match after getting sent off last week against West Ham. “Everyone is feeling the same sense of frustration” after the loss to the Hammers in a match Leicester dominated Kirk admitted. He continued by saying “it looked a little bit desperate, a little but nervy, it meant we were a yard off things, we took shots from distance which I thought we had managed to eradicate from our game”. “It was a little bit frustrating we didn’t believe in ourselves a little bit more and play our normal game” remarked the Leicester manager. On reflection he believes if Reading had beaten Spurs the day before or if the matches had been going on at the same time then Leicester would have won their game. Kirk believes they “let something external to us dictate our emotions” last weekend. The Foxes boss said the players have been on it in training during the week and everyone wants to be in the team on Saturday to prove a point. “We got to the stage where we were proving everybody wrong and then it almost flipped on its head and last week they were almost scared to let people down” noted Kirk. He said they want to stay away from the mentality of all they need to do is match Reading’s result to stay in the division. “We want win the game because for us it would mean beating last years points tally, scoring more goals than last year, climbing a spot more than last year” Kirk carried onto say. He then pointed out that finishing tenth would be a remarkable achievement considering where they were sitting five months ago. Kirk admitted it has been tough analysing Brighton ahead of the match as they have had a number of different managers and played different styles during the season. He added that even last weekend they played a style they hadn’t used before, and they have been prepping against two different ways of them setting up. “The players play better when we focus on us” Kirk said. The Leicester manager said he doesn’t want his side to be complacent on Saturday, adding ”it is a huge incentive to finish tenth.” “We want to be history makers, no team has ever turned around a seven point deficit at the bottom in WSL history, we want to be the first team to do that." Brighton & Hove Albion v Leicester City will be shown live on the FA Player with a 2:30pm (BST) kick-off on Saturday. News

Ben Gilby discusses changes England could potentially adopt alongside the rise of the Matildas Time to switch it up? What might come next for the Lionesses Back Ben Gilby discusses changes England could potentially adopt alongside the rise of the Matildas Adam Mitten Thursday, 11 April 2024 By Ben Gilby When the Lionesses drawn in a fiendishly tough group for Euro 2025 qualifying, a collective “wow” was let out by fans up and down the country. However, the draw was influenced by teams’ performances in the prior Europa League, and with England missing out on the semi-finals of the tournament, they were always likely to do it tough when the balls were drawn out of the pot for this one. International football is tough gig – it has massive rewards in the good times, but slightest deviations from consistent wins come with longer term consequences. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but it’s something that benefits all – including the England coaching staff who will be well aware of the moment when the first signs first began to show that the team were not quite hitting the heights they were in the Euros and during World Cup qualification. The Lionesses coaching staff and players will now be thinking about what comes next and how they continue to ensure they are at the top of the pile both in Europe and globally. The roots of the current study of the side’s need to evolve can be traced back to the World Cup. England were warmly welcomed in Australia. They were heralded out there as footballing giants who would sweep all before them. However, just a few days into the competition and group stage performances that were not at the level of the team’s previous all-encompassing joyous attacking football and defensive solidity – there were murmurs of “hang on…” Photo: Adam Mitten The Lionesses were being pressed to death, they were unable to get their midfield attacking weapons on the ball, and defensive errors were occasionally creeping in. As the tournament was full of bigger nations being rocked by developing women’s football nations, this was, by some largely written off as a case of the opposition stepping up. England’s greatest performance in the World Cup came in the semi-final against the hosts Australia at a raucous Stadium Australia in Sydney. The Matildas are renowned as a fast pressing team themselves, looking to create space out wide with pace to deliver the ball for the picture painters in midfield of Kyra Cooney-Cross and Katrina Gorry. That played into the hands of Sarina Wiegman’s team who produced a professional performance of know-how to strike when it most mattered and take their place in the World Cup Final. That final once more saw England pressed all over the place and passed to death by the all-conquering Spanish. Since then, the Lionesses’ opponents both in the UEFA Nations League and the opening games of the Euro 2025 qualifiers have largely copied the tactics that the likes of Haiti, Denmark, Nigeria, and Colombia employed in Australia with success. Therefore, there is a question worth posing. Is it time for England to both amend their style, and be that bit more experimental with player selection? Let’s look at the example of the Australian national team. They have just come off the back of finishing fourth at the last Olympics and World Cup – their greatest ever achievements. Rather than concluding that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, head coach Tony Gustavsson and his assistant Mel Andreatta spent months analysing his team’s World Cup performances, coming to the conclusion that they needed to evolve and be that bit smarter. Photo: Girls on the Ball The Matildas still have attacking weapons across the midfield and up front that many nations would deeply desire, but Gustavsson is moulding his team to be more pragmatic with a growing emphasis on solidity at the back. Yes, they still love to attack and shift the ball quickly, particularly along the flanks, and using the guile of the central midfield talent, but it’s not all about attacking opponents. They are now choosing when to go and when to be patient – looking at their opponents tactical set up once the game is underway and looking to shift through a raft of potential options. Gustavsson himself told the media after their 2-0 win over Mexico this week that: “ We probably had eight to 10 different variations in formations today in our attacking game. Everything from inverted outside backs to six dropping into the back three to overloading one side and isolating another – there was a lot of different tactics.” There are answers for his players of what to do when faced by a rapid press and physical battles. The team’s Achilles heel in previous years has been struggling to break down the massed defences of teams, who were on paper, far weaker than them. The new tactical fluidity that Gustavsson has introduced since the World Cup is making that a thing of the past There have been teething issues – the two games in Canada back in December when the new plans were first unveiled a case in point – but, as Ellie Carpenter said to me during this international window, “ I think it nearly has clicked…come mid-July…I’m really thinking forward with this team for the Olympics, and I really think we can achieve something special.” Performances since Christmas would suggest that this is the case. So do the Lionesses need to take a leaf out of the Matildas’ book? Is it time for Sarina Wiegman’s team to develop an approach to manage the oppressive press that opponents are continually applying to them with success? Let’s look at Europe’s other most successful nations over the past 10 years. Sweden have consistently made the semi-finals of World Cups, European Championships and Olympic Games. Peter Gerhardsson’s side have done it with an exceptionally well organised defence allied with a physical, defensive press style of game which has them patiently waiting for the right moment before clinically taking advantage. Spain are outrageously talented and comfortable on the ball, dominating possession – but let’s be honest, England have supreme talent and great ball players who are tactically astute as well – they just need to find ways to amend those weapons to dissect the most constrictive opposition. Photo: Adam Mitten Is it time for Sarina Wiegman to cast the net that bit wide? Defensive issues have occurred again in recent games, albeit in a side still without talismanic captain Leah Williamson – but even with the Arsenal star back in the starting line-up, it feels that the time is right to experiment that bit more with personnel and playing style. There needs to be a Plan B, C, and D that the team can switch between – the best nations in the world can do so – and England are definitely one of those. They have the quality coaching staff and players to drive this sort of approach. England will qualify for the Euros, even if they don’t finish as an automatic qualifier in the top two of their group, they will go on to the play-offs to face the likes of Romania, Slovenia or Luxembourg in round one and then potentially nations such as Portugal and Wales in the deciding round. They have scope to try things out and evolve their style and personnel – they have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Get to know every member of the current Lionesses squad. Lionesses Squad Laura Coombs Laura Coombs has been out of the international fold for quite some time, having last been called up to camp in November 2020. However, the midfielder has deservedly earned her place after pulling out a string of notable performances for Manchester City this season. Coombs, by nature, is a grafter. It is this custom of hers that has seen her rise to the top and re-assert herself as one of the most productive midfielders in the country. With a definitive “keep your head down and get on with it” attitude, Coombs showcases her willingness to tidy up and do the less glamourous work. Whilst she may not offer the creative flair others possess, what she guarantees is key defensive and offensive runs and an off-the ball work rate that is second to none. Coombs is also a known goal-scorer and can hit the net from range. Photograph courtesy of the FA.

Bethany England Position Centre Forward D.O.B 03/06/1994 Club Chelsea via Chelsea Women FC

Arsenal's newest recruit Jodie Taylor she is fit and ready to help the team in any way that she can Back “I am absolutely thrilled to be here" says Arsenal forward Taylor Arsenal's newest recruit Jodie Taylor she is fit and ready to help the team in any way that she can Getty 27 March 2023 By Paul Donegan Jodie Taylor recently joined Arsenal for a second spell at the club, signing until the end of the 2022/23 season. The forward had previously played for the Gunners between 2016 and 2017. Since then, she has played in Australia, the United States and France. Taylor has also been capped 51 times and scored 19 goals for the Lionesses. She left San Diego Wave in February after their first season in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Taylor came on to make her second debut for Arsenal in the 82nd minute of their recent 5-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby. After that match, she spoke to the media. Taylor was asked how surreal the last few weeks have been. She answered by saying it has been a “very surreal and crazy 10 days” and that she was just “chilling in LA [like] a month ago”. She added that anything can happen in football and you have to be ready for it, and that “I am absolutely thrilled to be here, so happy to be part of the team”. She felt the North London derby felt like “a real football game” and said that she has been keeping an eye on the league since she left. Taylor noted the Women’s Super League (WSL) has “gone from strength to strength each season, and it is great to see the growth of the game especially off the back of the Euros success”. Taylor thinks Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall just wants her to play her game and settle in. She added she only landed back in London 10 days ago so it “has been a crazy time” . She continued by saying that “however the team needs me, I am here for it and a great opportunity for me to come in back on home soil”. Taylor noted she is still fit, healthy and capable of playing at this level, and she is there to help the team win trophies. With it being the NWSL off-season, Taylor has been working with a personal coach. She said she has been staying fit and this has involved doing “a lot of running, a lot of conditioning, a lot of gym, a lot of individual training and small group stuff” . She mentioned it was about getting her body right and hopes what she has been doing has prepared her. Taylor said she can use her experience and “pass it on to other players” . She noted that she likes that role and got into the later stages of her career by “helping the young ones coming through” . She added that she is a team player. She continued by saying that “it is an important message for older players, it is not over till it’s over, and I am still going”. Taylor finished by saying “I am happy to be here, really happy with how the squad have welcomed me”, and observed that she has played with Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley before and there are a handful of girls that are still with the Gunners from her previous time at the club. News

Ground Guide Tottenham Hotspur By Paul Donegan This guide is based on going to the Tottenham match against Manchester United on 7th November 2021. I had been there for another match earlier this season and only the indoor food kiosk was open for that one so a reminder that things might be different if you ever decide to have a visit to the Hive to watch Tottenham play. Address Camrose Ave, London HA8 6AG Location and Ground History The Hive is in north west London near to Stanmore and Edgware. The complex was built as Barnet FCs training centre before they moved into the stadium there in 2013. London Broncos rugby league team shared the ground from 2014 to 2015 and London Bees, who now play in the FA Women’s National League, also played at the ground but now it seems they play their home matches on one of the outside pitches. Tottenham have played at The Hive since 2019 when they got promoted to the WSL. Getting There The Jubilee line (the grey coloured tube line), towards Stanmore if going from central London (takes about 30 mins from there), runs right behind the stadium with Canons Park being the closest station to the ground, being about a 10 minute walk. Most of the walk from Canons Park station is along a path through The Hive complex past other pitches/5 a side pitches. Queensbury about a 15 minute walk in the opposite direction. A number of buses go along Camrose Avenue (288) and Whitchurch Lane (79, 86 and 340) at either end of complex. There is car parking available at the ground behind the south end but there is a charge for this (looks like £8 on matchdays). The entrance into the complex if driving is off Camrose Avenue. Tickets Tickets can be bought online and the ticket comes on the confirmation email, as well as the same thing on an attachment, which you need to print off and take with you to the match which you scan at the turnstiles to get in. Tickets can be bought on the day, if available, from the ticket office at the ground (on the corner of east and south stands, near the car park) but there is an increase in price if bought on the day (£8 for adults instead of £6.50 if bought beforehand) and it is card payment only. Buy Tickets https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/tickets/buy-tickets/women/match-tickets/ The Stadium There are 4 separate covered stands with gaps in the corners of the ground with a total capacity of 6,500. The only stand open for Tottenham matches is the west stand (The Legends Stand) which is an all seater and runs the whole length of the pitch. It is also the stadiums largest stand with a capacity of 2,686 and it is all unreserved seating. There is a small scoreboard at the back of the stand which shows the score and how many minutes have been played along with the TV gantry. The seats are in Barnet’s colours of orange and black (the seats in the other stands are the same colours). The Jubilee line passes right behind this stand. The north stand (Stand 66) is a seated stand behind the goal and at the south end, there is a terracing (Bees Terrace) which had Tottenham banners over it. The east stand (The Hive Stand) has a few rows of seats and is where the dugouts are, press seating and VIPs sit. The tunnel is at the north end of this stand. The turnstiles that are open for Tottenham matches are in the south west corner of the ground, at the far end of the car park, near the tube line and merchandise kiosk. There was a bag search before going in. There are toilets at the back of the stand between the food kiosk and bar entrance. Food and Drink There is a spacious bar (Legends Bar) under the stand which can be entered from behind the stand or through 2 entrances in the stand from pitchside. Alcohol is not allowed to be taken outside. There were 2 food kiosks open, one at the back of the stand between the turnstiles and bar entrance and another inside at the far end of the bar where there are some tables and chairs if you want to eat/drink there. On the east stand side, there is another bar which includes a Starbucks, but this can only be entered from outside the ground. Seemed to be card payment only for food and drink at the ground. Merchandise There is a merchandise kiosk outside the ground, near the turnstiles, which sells lots of different things such as shirts, baseball caps, hats, pens, mugs, keyrings, the list could go on! Paper programmes can be bought from here as well. Again, seemed to be card payment only. At the Manchester United match, there was a freestyle footballer and beatboxer going along the front of the stand keeping the crowd entertained before the match and at half time.

Jordan Nobbs praises team spirit and thanks fans in post-match reaction to Arsenal's 3-1 win over West Ham Back Jordan Nobbs reacts to Arsenal's 3-1 win over West Ham Jordan Nobbs praises team spirit and thanks fans in post-match reaction to Arsenal's 3-1 win over West Ham Girls on the Ball 31 October 2022 By Paul Donegan Arsenal midfielder Jordan Nobbs spoke to the media after the Gunners 3-1 win over West Ham in the WSL on Sunday. Nobbs has won the Arsenal Women Supporter Club’s player of the match in the last two matches, she has scored in both of those games against FC Zurich and West Ham. Here is what she had to say…. How has it felt waiting for you chance this season? “I don’t know, obviously I love this club so much and I’ve absolutely trained my bum off for the past five/six months. I think eventually just them little moments of things come, whether that’s something happening and I’ve got to be ready but, I am a little bit proud of myself just staying in it. And what a set of girls we have. Like it is hard to get in to the team and I think that is what makes it so special when you get chances on the pitch because you know you are playing up against a top, top talent.” How much inspiration have you drawn from other players (Lotte Wubben-Moy and Frida Maanum) that have had to wait to take their chance? “I think it just shows what talent we have with some of the players. Frida came in and had a fantastic game against Lyon and obviously me and Frida were on the bench a lot. We kept pulling each other through when we are going out for training. Because sometimes you have to keep saying ‘right we do the training again, we go again’, and it brings the team together because at the end of the day we all have to play a part. You have seen how may people over the last two weeks have played minutes in this squad and put in a great performance, so it is all credit to people’s mentality and staying focused for what’s best for the team.” Jordan Nobbs alongside Steph Catley and Beth Mead in Arsenal's UWCL tie against FC Zurich Photo: Girls on the Ball You came on in the number 8 position tonight, do you think that is your best position and how nice was it to get a lot of minutes in the position tonight? “It was nice. Obviously, I haven’t had much chance to show that over the last few years that 8 has been my role for the last ten years, but I love that role. I think I am one of them players that wants to get on the ball and everything like that, so yeah, it is a position I have always loved. I mean right now I am just thinking about being on the pitch and playing, but I definitely think it is something I enjoy - to start deep and go high.” The reception from the crowd…. (there were lots of cheers for Nobbs throughout) “I cannot thank the fans enough. I mean anytime I’ve stepped foot on that pitch they’ve been there, such a boost for myself and how, hopefully, I’ve shown myself towards this club and they make me feel such a part of it. And I want to play well and score for them because without them… yeah, it is the best part of football.” News

Get to know every member of the current Lionesses squad. Lionesses Squad Millie Bright No-nonsense centre-back Millie Bright is possibly England’s most ‘traditional’ defender. Bright is a staple figure in the Lionesses line-up and has been named as vice-captain after displaying desirable leadership qualities across the previous few seasons with Chelsea. Bright is assertive and aggressive and uses her physicality, as much as her feet, to escort attacking threats away from goal. Usually the last woman standing, Bright is unafraid to put her body on the line to block or intercept in timely fashion. Bright has a keen eye for a cross ball and her launched passes often act as catalysts for attacking phases of play further up field. Standing at 5ft 9, Bright also provides a serious aerial threat at set-pieces. Further than this, Bright boasts a killer strike and has been known to hit the target from distance. Photograph courtesy of the FA.

Get to know every member of the current Lionesses squad. Lionesses Squad Ebony Salmon Since her move to the States, Ebony Salmon has been tearing up football pitches and making defences squirm with the Houston Dash. Domestically, the centre forward is in illustrious form and will hoping to begin to carry this over to the international stage. Salmon is an out and out no. 9 with that instinctive eye to pounce on any mistake or opening an opponent might leave. As well as being a constant threat in the box, Salmon is also willing to track back to support by ‘defending from the front’. More often than not makes good on the service provided and is a proven clinical finisher. With Ellen White’s retirement, Wiegman is in need of rotational options upfront to balance out Alessia Russo’s workload and Ebony Salmon readily fits the bill here. Photograph courtesy of the FA.

Leah Williamson Position Defensive Midfielder (Centre Back for club) D.O.B 29/03/1997 Club Arsenal Lynne Cameron

A celebration of the key figures who have paved the way for the Lionesses to this moment. Euro's Information and News Legendary Lionesses: Those who came before Girls on the Ball By Charlotte Stacey 29 July 2022 It's almost upon us. England in the final of a European Championships on home soil against their greatest footballing rival. It is poetry you could only dream of writing. The occasion will be momentous. Millie Bright will show no mercy, Mary Earps will swaddle the ball, Fran Kirby will be a nuisance, Alessia Russo will have the audacity, Beth Mead will be on fire, and Leah Williamson, well, let's reserve her final starring role for Sunday. This is the moment advocates of the women's game have been waiting for. The moment they knew would come. After patiently biding their time, they are relishing with the knowledge that others are finally catching up to what they knew all along. Pride can swallow you whole. It can overtake and manifest into raw, ugly emotion, but on this occasion we should absolutely allow it to. In fact, we should urge it to. For the longstanding supporters, families, reporters, staff, former players, this moment is as much for them as it is for the 23 players that will make their mark under Wembley's arch.. This moment is for us. Photo: iPaper Before Lauren Hemp was thundering up the left wing, Rachel Yankey was scoring from outrageous wide angles. Before Lucy Bronze whipped up the overlap, Alex Scott held down the right hand side. Before Keira Walsh sprayed her trademark passes, Marieanne Spacey dominated the midfield. And before Leah Williamson wore the armband, Sheila Parker led the pride in their first ever international. These are the players who came before. The players who led from the front, unwavering despite the hordes of obstacles and adversity thrown their way. Today, we celebrate them. Sheila Parker Photo: National Football Museum Sheila Parker England's first captain, Sheila Parker. At 24, Parker led England to victory in their first official match against Scotland in 1972, a match they eventually won 3-2. Parker was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in May 2013. Carol Thomas Photo: National Football Museum Carol Thomas The first captain to lead the England to a European final, and was the very first woman to earn 50 caps. Thomas was selected for the national side aged 19 and was handed the armband just two years later. Debbie Bampton Photo: Getty Debbie Bampton Box-to-box midfielder Bampton earned a total of 95 caps for England, wearing the captain's armband in two separate stints during this time. Bampton led England to their first Women's World Cup in 1995. Kerry Davis Photo: Wiki Kerry Davis As the first Black woman to play in an official England international, Davis served as her country's most prolific goalscorer throughout the 80's and 90's. Davis scored record 44 goals in 82 appearances, a record that remained until 2010. Gillian Coultard Photo: SheKicks Gillian Coultard Captain between 1991-1995 and 1997-2000, midfielder Coultard became the first woman to reach 100 caps for England. She scored a total of 30 goals in 119 appearances before hanging up her international boots in 2000. Marieanne Spacey Photo: Getty Marieanne Spacey-Cale Finishing with 76 caps to her name, midfielder Marieanne Spacey was recalled to the national side by Hope Powell to make a further 15 appearances, scoring a total of 28 goals. The player of a generation. Karen Walker Photo: National Football Museum Karen Walker Renowned aerial specialist Karen Walker was England's most formidable attacking threat for over a decade. Retiring from international football in 2003, Walker ended her England career with a huge 40 goals in 83 appearances. Hope Powell Photo: BBC Hope Powell A true pioneer who remains integral to the game. Powell has achieved success as both and player and coach. Powell ended her international career with 35 goals in 66 appearances. She went on to became the youngest ever England coach at 31. Mary Phillip Photo: SoulTreasury Mary Phillip Versatile defender Phillip became the first Black woman to captain England and earned a total of 66 caps. Later, as manager of Peckham Town, Phillip became the first female manager of a men’s team to win a cup in English football history. Faye White Photo: Getty Faye White Widely regarded as one of England's greatest defenders, White is also their longest serving captain having worn the armband for 10 years. White led England to the QF's of the 2007 and 2011 WC and to 2 Euro's, including the final in 2009. Rachel Yankey Photo: PA Rachel Yankey Dynamic winger Yankey was the very first woman to sign a professional football contract in England. She became the second woman to make a century of appearances for England and ended her career with 129 international caps. Kelly Smith Photo: Getty Kelly Smith Icon of the game and arguably one of the most gifted players to have ever worn an England shirt, Smith ended her colossal international career with 117 caps and 46 goals. Only Ellen White has scored more for the Lionesses. Alex Scott Photo: Getty Alex Scott Before she was paving the way for women's sports in the mainstream media, Scott was a key figure for the Lionesses and should first and foremost be known as one of their greatest ever right backs. 7 major international tournaments, 140 caps, 12 goals. Rachel Brown Photo: Getty Rachel Brown-Finnis Ever-steady between the sticks, Brown made 82 appearances for her country and served as England's first choice goalkeeper at the 2007 World Cup and 2009 Euro's. Eni Aluko Photo: News Chain Eni Aluko Formidable forward Aluko made a total of 102 appearances for England, scoring 33 goals. Aluko played a key role in several major international tournaments including the 2007, 2011 and 2015 World Cups, 2009 and 2013 Euro's. Casey Stoney Photo: The42 Casey Stoney A versatile yet solid defender, Stoney was appointed England captain in 2012 and skippered Team GB through the London Olympics. Stoney earned 130 caps for her country and has gone on to successfully manage top division teams. Karen Carney Photo: footballlondon Karen Carney Carney is widely, a rightly, regarded as one of the finest midfielders to have ever worn the three lions. Carney played in ten major tournaments, and is one of only four players to have earned more than 140 caps for the Lionesses. Fara Williams Photo: Getty Fara Williams With 172 appearances to her name, technically gifted midfielder Williams is England's most capped player. Williams now has roles both within the media and in coaching. Known as a set-piece specialist and true reader of the game, Williams will go down in history as one of the all time greats. Anita Asante Photo: Getty Anita Asante No-nonsense centre-back Asante earned 71 caps for England. No-nonense centre-back Asante earned 71 caps for her country representing England in numerous World Cup's and Euro's. Asante has only recently retired from professional football and has already become a valued media pundit. Karen Bardsley Photo: Getty Karen Bardsley England's trusty number one for several years, Bardsley has only recently hung up her boots. Earning a total of 82 caps for her country, Bardsley is in the history books as one of England's most valued goalkeepers. Steph Houghton Photo: Getty Steph Houghton Whilst her international career isn't over yet, we can't talk about key figures in the Lionesses without mentioning Houghton. Eight years of captaincy, 121 appearances so far, two Olympic games, outstanding. The Lionesses will take on Germany in the Euro's final at 5pm on Sunday 31st July at Wembley Stadium.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest can happen to anyone at anytime. Read more about the importance of having automated external defibrillators (AED's) on hand at football clubs. Is Your Football Club Prepared for Sudden Cardiac Arrest? Tuesday, 10 August 2021 Provided by ZOLL Sudden Cardiac Arrest can happen to anyone at anytime. Read more about the importance of having automated external defibrillators (AED's) on hand at football clubs. Provided by ZOLL Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can happen anywhere, any time. When it does, the victim’s best chance of survival is immediate CPR and a rescuer with an automated external defibrillator (AED). The European Resuscitation Council (ERC) recommends the availability of AEDs in places where access to emergency services may be delayed. A playing field falls into this category. Early intervention can increase survival. It is extremely important for football clubs to have AEDs available on-site in case of an SCA event. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can happen anywhere, any time. When it does, the victim’s best chance of survival is immediate CPR and a rescuer with an automated external defibrillator (AED). The European Resuscitation Council (ERC) recommends the availability of AEDs in places where access to emergency services may be delayed. A playing field falls into this category. Early intervention can increase survival. It is extremely important for football clubs to have AEDs available on-site in case of an SCA event. SOME COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS OF SCA IN FOOTBALL : “Footballers are healthy; we don’t need an AED on our field.” Sudden cardiac arrest doesn’t discriminate. It can strike people of any age or fitness level. In Europe, more than 350,000 patients are affected by SCA every year. Most SCA events occur in public places. “There are no SCA hazards on our playing fields.” Sudden cardiac arrest can be brought on by many factors. Taking a fall, being hit by an object or any other trauma to the body can trigger a cardiac event. Additionally, the football pitch may be far from a hospital, police station or fire station. When an ambulance is called for a life-threatening illness, injury or other emergency, the standard response time should be between 7 and 18 minutes. For a victim of cardiac arrest, help may come too late. Every minute that passes without treatment decreases the victim’s chance of survival by 10%. Futhermore, playing fields are often located in more remote areas. If the field is equipped with an AED, anyone on-site could use it to provide immediate high-quality CPR and a potentially life-saving shock. While on a playing field, you should never be more than a 3-minute round trip from an AED to ensure effective and rapid treatment when a medical emergency occurs. This could mean multiple AEDs are needed for large sites to ensure that no matter where an incident takes place, an AED can be located and retrieved for the victim’s best chance of survival. Are you prepared? Football is about community! Be prepared to treat players, supporters, families, friends and staff with a ZOLL AED. More information here .