Laura Coombs says it would be “the stuff of dreams” if her England renaissance continues with a place in the squad for this summer’s World Cup.
The Manchester City midfielder, 32, returned to the international fold when she was called up by Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman in February.
That was her first involvement since a training camp in 2020 under Phil Neville, and she had not played for her country since winning the two caps she had to her name in 2015 under Mark Sampson.
Coombs subsequently played twice at the Arnold Clark Cup and was then included in Wiegman’s squad for April’s matches against Brazil and Australia, for which she was an unused substitute.
On the possibility of making the next squad, for the European champions’ World Cup campaign in Australia and New Zealand, which is due to be named a week on Wednesday, Coombs told the PA news agency: “It would be the stuff of dreams to be honest.
“It would just make everything feel worthwhile up to this point and it was all for a reason.”
Coombs said shortly after her February recall that she had not given up on England before hearing from Wiegman but “didn’t really think about the international stage any more”, admitting it had been a shock.
On that subject, she added: “I felt, even though I was playing well, Sarina was maybe opting for a young squad, bringing players in with less experience and building for the future.
“So it was a surprise, but I was over the moon to be back involved, and to be back in an England kit has given me more motivation for the future, for sure.”
While 2022/23 has been a mixed bag for Gareth Taylor’s City, who look set to miss out on the Champions League places in the Women’s Super League, Coombs individually has had what she regards as the best season yet of her lengthy career.
The former Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool player said: “I think so. Obviously every season has highs and lows and I think maybe since Christmas I probably haven’t been quite as consistent as I would like.
“But definitely I’d say it’s my best season to date just in terms of minutes and influence on results and performances. I’m happy with it, I still would like some more goals and assists potentially next year, but I’m happy with the start.”
England have been hit by injuries to key players from their Euros triumph in the build-up to the World Cup, including to skipper Leah Williamson, who has been ruled out after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while playing for Arsenal last month.
One talking point since has been whether Williamson’s fellow centre-back and predecessor as captain, Steph Houghton, Coombs’ team-mate at City, might be called upon by Wiegman.
The Dutchwoman’s first England squad in September 2021 included Houghton but the 121-cap, 35-year-old defender had to pull ahead of the matches because of injury.
After being out of action for much of the 2021-22 season, Houghton was then named in Wiegman’s provisional Euros squad, only to miss out when it was reduced to a final 23, and while she has had regular game time for City of late, there has been no further international involvement.
Coombs said: “Steph has been playing really well for City. She’s consistent, she plays every game, so if she’s there, it’s fully deserved.”
Wiegman, speaking shortly before Williamson’s injury, said the chances of Houghton making the World Cup squad were “not that high” while stressing she would “never close the door”.
Al Ahli 1-2 Al Hilal: Malcom saves league leaders' winning streak
Malcom’s stunning solo goal finished Al Hilal’s second-half comeback to earn a 2-1 win over Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League on Monday.
The forward started his run from inside his own half before slotting in the winner, after teeing up Aleksandr Mitrovic for the equaliser just after the interval.
Feras Al Brikan had given Al Ahli the lead in the 30th minute, but the hosts could not hold onto it against the league leaders.
Al Hilal continue their unbeaten league campaign to a 30th match, moving 12 points clear at the top of the table, while Al Ahli remain in third, now 22 points off the AFC Champions League spot.
Data Debrief
Malcom was one of Al Hilal's most influential players; as well as playing a hand in both goals, he had the joint-most shots (five), and the joint-most shots on target (two), and created two chances for his team.
Al Ahli also struggled to cope with Mitrovic's threat, as the Serbian created an xG of 0.61 from his five shots, having 11 touches in the opposition box.
Ronaldo delivers another hat-trick as Al Nassr ease past Al Wedha
Cristiano Ronaldo crafted a decisive hat-trick as Al Nassr hammered Al Wedha 6-0 in Saturday's Saudi Pro League meeting.
Portugal veteran Ronaldo found the net twice in the first 12 minutes at Al Awal Park before completing his treble after the interval.
Sadio Mane teed up Ronaldo's third finish, as well as an 18th-minute strike from Otavio, who returned the favour for the Senegal international to score on the stroke of half-time.
Mohammed Al Fatil added a late sixth as Al Nassr recorded their seventh straight league win since their March 7 loss against Al Raed, moving them back within nine points of leaders Al Hilal.
Jorge Jesus's Al Hilal swept Al Tauwoon aside in a 3-0 away triumph on Friday for their fourth straight victory across all competitions.
Talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic opened the scoring at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium before Saud Abdulhamid and Saleh Alsherhi wrapped up a win that kept Al Hilal in charge of the title race.
There was no such fortune for fifth-placed Al Ittihad as they fell to a third straight defeat in all competitions after a 3-1 loss away against Abha.
Jota levelled after Grzegorz Krychowiak's 57th-minute penalty, only for Hassan Al-Ali and Fabian Noguera to power hosts Abha to a comfortable win.
Pioli focused on Genoa clash as speculation intensifies over Milan exit
Milan's disappointing campaign has put Stefano Pioli under scrutiny but his full concentration remains on a positive end to the season.
The Rossoneri are second in Serie A but 19 points adrift of champions Inter, and their fans suffered witnessing their fierce rivals secure the Scudetto in the recent derby win at San Siro.
That has only increased media reports about Pioli's dismissal once the season ends, with fans also protesting at the situation Milan face.
"My task shouldn't be complicated, there are four games left," Pioli told a press conference before Sunday's home game against Genoa.
"It's true that outside they talk about everything except the games, but not us. We have a great sense of responsibility. Then we'll see what the future is at the end of the season."
Some Italian reports have suggested Pioli could move to Napoli, though the Milan head coach refuted those claims.
"No thoughts, other than the next four games. At the end of the season, I'll meet with Milan and we'll see what to do," Pioli said.
"You've waited a long time, wait a little longer to talk about the future, the work is not done. The reality is I have another year on my contract with Milan and I won't speak to any other club while I'm under contract."
The atmosphere is tense around the club, and Milan ultras have announced they will not support the team against Genoa, remaining in silence without any banners or flags, as a form of protest against the owners.
"Our fans have always been an added value, especially in difficult moments. And I don't forget it," Pioli continued.
"They have taken this position and we respect it, then we have to do everything to win the game."
Milan have a five-point lead over Juventus in third and Genoa are 12th on 42 points, moving out of relegation danger.
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