Though they failed to register a win in their three fixtures at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, Reggae Girlz Head coach Xavier Gilbert lauded the players for their gallant display in defeat, particularly in the second fixture against Puerto Rico.
The Reggae Girlz outfit, which comprised mostly Under-20 players, lost 2-5 to host nation El Salvador, followed by a 2-2 stalemate with Puerto Rico, after losing a player to red card early in that contest. They then closed the failed campaign with a 3-7 loss to favourites Mexico on Monday.
Olufolasade Adamolekun and Mikayla Dayes, two of only a handful of players with senior team experience, got on the score sheet in that encounter. Chris-Ann Chambers, Mireya Grey and Dayes twin sister Malikae Dayes were the others charged with guiding their younger counterparts.
This is due to the fact that Jamaica's more experienced players are currently in Amsterdam, preparing to grace the FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand later this month.
While admitting that the players had immense scope for improvements, Gilbert took nothing away from their effort throughout.
"We are disappointed we didn't get one in the win column; we had some things that affected us, injuries and red card, especially against Puerto Rico, we played with 10 players but nevertheless the Girlz gave a good account of themselves, and we have to give them credit.
"There are some calls that could have and should have gone our way, hence the result. But there are some things that we have to work on, defensively we have to get tighter and stronger and that comes with getting them together as a unit and getting them organised," Gilbert told SportsMax.tv.
That said, Gilbert pointed out that scheduling didn’t aid their cause, as the games came in quick succession with only a day to rest, recover and fine tune tactics. The difficulties of navigating such a tight schedule, he said, proved challenging for the Girlz to demonstrate consistency in their performances.
"The inexperience showed along the way because the fixtures were quick, and the turnaround time didn't allow them to recover properly and fix some of the issues and problems we had and that was expected. But notwithstanding that, we managed to score in every game and for me that was a plus, we just have to find a way to stop conceding," Gilbert, who is assistant to Lorne Donaldson's World Cup-bound side, stated.
Still, he took heart from the fact that the experience is invaluable to the development and growth of the young prospects, who are expected to fit into the next senior Reggae Girlz cycle for the Women’s Gold Cup and other tournaments.
"The experience the ladies gained is something we have to build on because you can't pay for what they would have gained from this tournament. Scoring three goals against a quality Mexican team goes to show that they are good offensively but weak defensively," Gilbert shared.
"I said it before that playing at this high level will only benefit the development of the younger players in particular, yes it was tough, but everybody got some playing time which was also important. The younger ones now know what is required to play at this level and the more senior players really guided them through the process, so they will learn from this as they go forward," he ended.
Millie Bright has called for work to be done with regard to scheduling in the women’s game, stressing players are “not robots”.
Bright – captain of the England squad flying out for this summer’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand on Wednesday after regular skipper Leah Williamson was ruled out by an ACL injury, and recovering from a knee issue herself – says burnout is “always in the back of your mind” as a player.
The 66-cap Chelsea centre-back, who helped England win the Euros last summer and played for Great Britain at the Olympics the summer before that, said: “It’s tough.
“I’ve been doing it for several years now. Playing back-to-back tournaments, it’s hard, when you’re playing every single minute for your clubs.
“That’s the demands of the game now, especially with how competitive it is getting. The quality has gone through the roof and the games are getting harder to win, especially when you’re competing for every trophy.
“I still think there’s work to be done in terms of scheduling, making sure we can compete in every competition and do back-to-back tournaments, but also we are not robots, we need time to recover.
“We want to perform, to be at the highest level. For me, I think the scheduling of everything needs to be looked at so we can keep the quality at the highest it can possibly be.
“As a player, it is always in the back of your mind.”
Injuries have been a major talking point of late in women’s football, with a particular focus on the amount of players suffering ACL damage – something that has left England heading into this summer’s tournament without not only Williamson but also Beth Mead, her Arsenal team-mate who was the Euro 2022 Golden Boot winner.
Asked if more research was needed, Bright said: “I think there always needs to be more done.
“We obviously know the (female) body is very different to the male, so the research needs to be done in that sense.
“For me, it’s more than just one factor, it’s everything that comes with it, whether it’s facilities, pitches, the amount of games we are playing, the amount of rest we’re having. It’s everything together, and I think all elements need to align.
“We want to be performing at the highest level but we can only do that if we are fully recovered. If you play under a lot of fatigue then you are bound to be picking up injuries. It’s just impossible to keep going.
“We don’t want to see this amount of injuries. I guess it will be a topic where the conversation will never die really until we see change and something done.”
Bright has not played in a match since sustaining a knee injury while in action for Chelsea in March, after which she underwent surgery.
While she was not involved in the 0-0 World Cup warm-up draw against Portugal in Milton Keynes on Saturday, she has expressed her confidence that she will be ready for the Lionesses’ Group D opener against Haiti on July 22.
The 29-year-old, who was “absolutely gutted” for Williamson after she got injured in April and has had “check-ins” with her, said of the prospect of captaining her country at this summer’s showpiece: “It’s a proud moment to even be going to a World Cup.
“I feel really grateful to be selected to go, let alone to be put in a position to captain the girls. It is a massive honour.
“But for me, nothing changes – I stay the same. I’d like to think everyone says they see the same Millie every day, no matter. I always think with or without the armband I lead for the team, I think that’s just natural to me.”
On the chances of Sarina Wiegman’s team adding to their Euro glory Down Under, Bright said: “For us it’s making sure we keep two feet on the ground, which I think we’ve always done, and know the challenge ahead will be even harder than any other tournament.
We will be prepared and ready to fight for the badge.”
Christophe Galtier has been sacked by Paris St Germain despite leading them to a record 11th Ligue 1 title in his first season in charge.
PSG confirmed on Wednesday that they had parted company with their 56-year-old coach just weeks after Lionel Messi’s goal secured a 1-1 draw at Strasbourg and an unassailable lead at the top of the table.
A statement on the club’s official website said: “At the end of the 2022-2023 season, Paris Saint-Germain informed Christophe Galtier of its decision to terminate his contract as first-team coach.
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“The club would like to pay tribute to his professionalism and commitment, which helped the Rouge et Bleu win a historic eleventh French Championship title and a Trophee des Champions.
“The entire Paris Saint-Germain team would like to thank Christophe Galtier, as well as his assistants Thierry Oleksiak and Joao Sacramento, for their professionalism and commitment throughout the season, and wish them all the best for the rest of their careers.”
Galtier’s departure comes after 36-year-old Messi’s exit for MLS side Inter Miami, with PSG still the dominant force in France but having once again failed in their mission to win the Champions League.
The 2020 runners-up went out in the last 16 last season after a 3-0 aggregate defeat by Bayern Munich to prolong owner Qatar Sports Investments’ wait for European success.
Former Spain boss Luis Enrique and ex-Bayern manager Julian Nagelsmann have been linked with the impending vacancy in recent weeks, although reports have suggested talks with the German broke down last month.
Keira Walsh admits she is fearful of picking up an injury as the increasing load on players in women’s football shows no sign of abating.
The Barcelona midfielder starred as England won the Women’s European Championship on home soil last summer and will be aiming to replicate the success at the World Cup later this month.
Walsh won the league and Champions League double in her first season with the Spanish giants, making 29 appearances alongside her 11 caps for the Lionesses.
With the women’s game continuing to grow, more fixtures are being added to the calendar, with the Nations League the latest competition to cross over from men’s football.
England captain Leah Williamson and Euro 2022 golden boot winner Beth Mead will both miss the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand due to serious knee injuries, just two of several players to be struck by similar issues recently.
Walsh feels the resources behind women’s football do not allow for the same protection as their male counterparts as she conceded she is always concerned by being sidelined.
“I think there is a massive worry,” she told the PA news agency.
“Look at the resources the men have as well, I don’t think that’s available to us and we are being asked to play close to what they play in a season now without the kind of resources behind it.
“The medical teams, they work so hard but it’s impossible to keep everybody fresh all the time and we’re playing so many games and I think – with the introduction of the Nations League as well – it’s going to be difficult and you see how many ACL injuries there have been and how many players are getting injured.
“I would be lying if I say it’s not a worry for me every time I go on the pitch that I’m going to get injured next.
“More growth, more investment – that’s what we want. It’s what fans of women’s football have been calling for – but it can’t be at the detriment to player’s health – not just physical health but mental health is really important as well.”
Walsh, 26, believes close friend Williamson and Mead will still have a part to play as their team-mates aim for World Cup glory Down Under, with the Arsenal pair having already been in and around the squad as they prepare for the finals.
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“Regardless of their injuries, they are two vital members of the squad and I think they can still add value,” Walsh added.
“I’m sure Sarina (Wiegman), as manager, will keep them involved in some capacity and when you’ve been with each other for six weeks, to see some fresh faces and hear some new voices is also nice and I’m sure we’ll miss them.”
Before jetting off to Australia, Walsh took time out to return home to Rochdale and participate in a Fun Football session organised by McDonald’s to give children access to football.
With the England squad coming from the length and breadth of the country, such sessions are key – according to Walsh.
“I think if you look at where each of the Lionesses are from, we’re really spread out,” she said.
“For me in Rochdale, I think it’s really cool to see that there’s going to be a free football session for girls to attend.
“I think it takes the pressure off the parents and the girls can just focus on having fun. When I was younger, I for sure would have wanted to go to something like that. Hopefully we can keep pushing the increase in girls playing football.”
:: Keira Walsh was speaking to celebrate the opening of McDonald’s Fun Football sessions in Lionesses’ home towns during the Women’s World Cup. Keira hopes to encourage the next generation of young girls to get involved. Sign up to your nearest free session at mcdonalds.co.uk/football
Manchester United have completed the signing of Mason Mount from Chelsea on a contract to 2028 with the option of a further year, the club have announced.
The PA news agency understands the fee agreed for the 24-year-old England midfielder is an initial £55million.
Mount – who came through the ranks at Chelsea and made 129 Premier League appearances for them, scoring 27 goals and providing 22 assists – said in a statement from United: “It’s never easy leaving the club where you grew up, but Manchester United will provide an exciting new challenge for the next phase of my career.
“Having competed against them, I know just how strong a squad it is that I’m joining, and I can’t wait to be part of this group’s drive to win major trophies.”
Cardiff have signed Greece defender Dimitrios Goutas on a two-year contract.
The 29-year-old most recently played for Sivasspor, making 84 appearances for the Turkish club and scoring five goals.
He joins the Sky Bet Championship side as a free agent ahead of the 2023-24 season and cannot wait to get going.
“I’m very excited to be here,” Goutas told Cardiff City TV. “From the first day I came here, I’ve felt warmth from everybody. I’m happy to join the team and I will give my best to achieve our goals.
“I can’t wait to train with the team and help with my experience. I will always give 100 per cent and try to help the young players – that’s why I’m here.”
Bluebirds boss Erol Bulut said: “He can organise from the back and he is a good size for the Championship. He also has good speed, so I think he will be a very useful player for our style.
“He is one of those people who is really dangerous in the air and can score goals from set-pieces, which will be very good for us.”
Declan Rice is to undergo a medical at Arsenal following agreement on a fee with West Ham, the PA news agency understands.
The signing of the Hammers captain for £100million plus £5million in add-ons will not only break Arsenal’s own transfer record but also see Rice become the most expensive Englishman in Premier League history.
Arsenal launched their third and final bid last week with an offer which saw champions Manchester City pull out of the race to sign the 24-year-old.
West Ham were not happy with the payment structure of the Arsenal deal but, after further negotiations, it is understood an agreement is in place and Rice is free to discuss personal terms and have his medical ahead of a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Rice, who lifted the Europa Conference League title in what now looks set to be his final West Ham appearance, has been Arsenal’s top target this summer.
He would become the second summer signing for Mikel Arteta’s side, following the addition of Germany forward Kai Havertz from Chelsea, as the Gunners look to go one better than their second-placed finish last season.
Ajax defender Jurrien Timber also remains a priority for the Gunners, who head to Germany for a pre-season training camp later this month.
Republic of Ireland defender Enda Stevens has completed a move to Stoke on a 12-month contract after his Sheffield United deal expired.
The 32-year-old, who twice helped the Blades win promotion to the Premier League during a six-year spell at Bramall Lane, has linked up with the Potters ahead of Saturday’s pre-season friendly at Notts County and will travel to Spain for the club’s Costa Blanca training camp.
Stevens told the Sky Bet Championship club’s website: “I am delighted to be here and really excited to work with the gaffer and the boys this week before heading out to Spain for the training camp.
“It feels like the club is at the start of an ambitious project and I see another chance to be successful.
“Stoke City is a club of strong stature and, if we can play in a similar way to the Alex Neil teams I’ve come up against in the past, I have a belief that we can be really competitive in the Championship this season.”
Stevens has more than 450 appearances under his belt and was ever-present as Sheffield United finished ninth in the Premier League in 2019-20.
Former England forward Rachel Yankey has warned that the Lionesses’ World Cup opponents will all want to be the side that eliminates the European champions when the tournament kicks off in Australia and New Zealand.
Sarina Wiegman’s team are amongst the favourites as they seek to become the first England side to win a world title since 1966, particularly following last summer’s Euro 2022 success on home soil.
They fly out this evening to begin preparations for their opening match against Haiti and will be sent on their way by a message of support displayed beneath the flightpath out of Heathrow reading “Lionesses, you’re our pride.”
The gesture, arranged by the Football Association’s commercial partner Kind Snacks, is tagged with thousands of messages submitted by fans nationwide, and is a mark of how support for women’s football has been transformed since Yankey’s playing days.
The former Arsenal player, who won 129 caps during a 16-year international career, believes that whilst the prospect of holding both the world and European crowns simultaneously will be a motivation for England, other sides will be motivated to topple them starting with their first opponents Haiti.
“I don’t think anybody from our nation or any other would have said England were a favourite to win the World Cup when I was playing,” said Yankey, who won the last of her caps in 2013. “They are now.
“That’s because we’ve won the Euros, but there comes a pressure with that because everybody wants to beat a winning side. The games become harder. It’s a chance to knock you off the stage.
“Haiti will have nothing to lose. They’re expected to lose that game and that makes it dangerous. They go out there, if they got a goal or a win, they get plaudits. Our team need to set their own standards, they need to push each other on, they need to make sure every game they’re at the highest level.
“The main thing is getting through the group. How you do it is kind of irrelevant. We’d all like to see fantastic football, but just make sure you get the wins.
“The fact that they could become European and world champions has got to drive them on. We’ve got players there who are hungry for success and they’ll want more.
“The players will also understand that the better they do, the more it will inspire the younger generation, whether it’s boys or girls. It’s a chance to change how we view women’s football.”
After opening their campaign in Brisbane, Wiegman’s side move on to face Denmark in Sydney before concluding the group stage against China in Adelaide.
They are looking to reach what would be a first final for the Lionesses, whose previous best were semi-final appearances in 2015 and 2019.
Yankey hopes that the increased backing from the FA as well as commercial partners will continue to drive the exposure that the women’s game needs in order to grow.
She explained: “It’s hugely different from 2009 (when England reached the European Championship final, losing to Germany). That’s why it’s important that commercial partners come on board, because they make a difference to the way people view the game.
“In 2009 or any other year, you’re out there and fully focused, but once you’re out of the tournament you would come home and nobody knows about it. We don’t want that to happen.
“We see now when the girls are going on holiday and people are wanting to take photos of them. The landscape of women’s football has changed. That’s because of engagement, companies look at women’s football as a business and thinking that this is the right thing to do, but because women should have the same opportunity in all sports, but also it’s a business opportunity, a change to engage.”
:: KIND Snacks have created a giant message of support for the Lionesses as they head off to Australia for the first game in the tournament. The 100-metre wide sign was made out of thousands of messages of support from the public, including ex-Lionesses Rachel Yankey and Faye White.
Yaya Toure has told Harry Kane to stay at Tottenham for the rest of his career.
The England captain’s future has come under constant scrutiny this summer and Kane has regularly been linked with a move to Manchester United or Bayern Munich.
Spurs are insistent they will not sell their star player, despite him entering the last year of his contract, and Toure thinks Kane should end his career at his boyhood club.
Toure has had the chance to witness Kane at close quarters during his spell on the academy’s coaching staff and recognises his star quality.
“Harry Kane is a brilliant player and a brilliant leader,” the 40-year-old, who has just taken a coaching job at Standard Liege, told the PA news agency.
“For me I hope he is going to stay at Tottenham. What he did last season was incredible.
“I hope he is going to stay, being involved with the staff I can see how familiar they are, they all believe in each other.
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“He came from the academy, he is different. He is not like (Sergio) Aguero, who came in from Atletico, he is at home.
“I hope he is going to stay because he is a good player. Why not retire there, like (Paolo) Maldini or Gerrard did at Liverpool, if he does that it is going to be very significant.”
Spurs’ inability to win a trophy over the last 15 years has been the main reason why Kane has been linked with a move away.
But Toure believes the club is set up for success and Kane is integral to that.
“Tottenham have everything to be successful, when you see the stadium and facilities, they are brilliant,” he added.
“What’s left now? Maybe change players, I don’t know.
“But the competitiveness of the league, you have to match that. “What Manchester City are doing, you have to match that if you want to win.
“That is what I learned when I was at top clubs, week in week out, try to improve the club to be successful.
“I hope and believe that if Harry Kane stays, new players will join, the club will be improving and better and they will be able to challenge for something.”
Before Toure heads to Belgium to begin at Standard Liege, he will first put his coaching skills to use on the launch of Amazon’s Prime Day, as a Prime customer can buy a private coaching session for them and three friends.
He said: “I couldn’t stay away from coaching in the UK for long, but this is a fun one.
“Amazon approached me because like them, I’m known for reliable delivery, so for Prime Day I’m going to be working with a group of football fans to give them a training session and show them a thing or two.
“With the new season coming up, I’ll look to put them through their paces with knowledge I’ve gained through my years at clubs such as Barcelona and Manchester City.
“It’ll be one last training session in England for a while.”
::Yaya Touré will give one lucky Prime customer and their three friends a football training session to learn perfect delivery this Prime Day. Prime Members should check out www.amazon.co.uk/primeexperiences throughout 11th and 12th July to purchase.
Mason Mount has confirmed that he will be leaving Chelsea after 18 years at the club.
The 24-year-old came through the ranks at Stamford Bridge and since making his first-team debut in 2019 has gone on to score 27 goals and provide 22 assists in 129 Premier League appearances.
The PA news agency understands that Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign the midfielder for an initial £55million.
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Mount, who won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021 and has earned 36 caps for England, posted a farewell message to Blues fans on Instagram.
He said on Instagram: “Hi Chelsea fans, given the speculation over the last six months this may not come as a surprise to you, but it doesn’t make it any easier to tell you that I’ve made the decision to leave Chelsea.
“I feel you deserve more than just a written statement, so I wanted to tell you directly how grateful I’ve been for all of your support over the last 18 years.
“I know some of you won’t be happy with my decision, but it’s what’s right for me at this moment in my career.
“I joined Chelsea when I was six years old and we’ve been through a lot together.
“Winning the Youth Cup, my Player of the Year awards, the Super Cup, the Club World Cup and of course that unforgettable night when we won the Champions League.
“I want to say thank you to the academy, Jim and Neil for being so influential to me from such a young age.
“The managers I’ve worked under, Frank (Lampard), Thomas (Tuchel) and Graham (Potter), the backroom staff, the unsung heroes of Cobham, all of my teammates over the years that have become my brothers.
“My family for the continuous love and support and most importantly you guys for sticking with me throughout. Wish you all the best.”
Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli have confirmed the signing of former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino.
The 31-year-old left Anfield following the expiration of his contract after joining the Reds from Hoffenheim in 2015.
He joins former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who joined the Saudi Professional League side last month.
Firmino was part of a ruthless attack alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, and in his eight years at Liverpool the Brazilian won the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Club World Cup.
He was not the only player to leave the Reds this summer as James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita also left the club at the end of their deals.
Mason Mount has confirmed on Instagram that he will be leaving Chelsea after 18 years at the club.
The 24-year-old came through the ranks at Stamford Bridge and since making his first-team debut in 2019 has gone on to score 27 goals and provide 22 assists in 129 Premier League appearances.
The PA news agency understands that Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign the midfielder for an initial £55million.
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Mount, who won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021 and has earned 36 caps for England, posted a farewell message to Blues fans on Instagram.
He said: “Hi Chelsea fans, given the speculation over the last six months this may not come as a surprise to you, but it doesn’t make it any easier to tell you that I’ve made the decision to leave Chelsea.
“I feel you deserve more than just a written statement, so I wanted to tell you directly how grateful I’ve been for all of your support over the last 18 years.
“I know some of you won’t be happy with my decision, but it’s what’s right for me at this moment in my career.
“I joined Chelsea when I was six years old and we’ve been through a lot together.
“Winning the Youth Cup, my Player of the Year awards, the Super Cup, the Club World Cup and of course that unforgettable night when we won the Champions League.
“I want to say thank you to the academy, Jim and Neil for being so influential to me from such a young age.
“The managers I’ve worked under, Frank (Lampard), Thomas (Tuchel) and Graham (Potter), the backroom staff, the unsung heroes of Cobham, all of my teammates over the years that have become my brothers.
“My family for the continuous love and support and most importantly you guys for sticking with me throughout. Wish you all the best.”
Hearts head coach Frankie McAvoy hailed an “excellent” warm weather training camp as the Jambos get ready for the new season.
The Gorgie squad are in Spain this week and have several training sessions in the fitness bank ahead of the friendly against Championship side Plymouth on Thursday.
Steven Naismith was handed a two-year contract following his term as interim manager at the end of last season but his title was changed to technical director. The former Scotland international is working towards his required Pro Licence coaching qualification.
Former Hearts academy director McAvoy was named head coach, with Gordon Forrest also remaining as first-team coach and all three are putting the Hearts players through their paces with a view to a positive start to the 2023/24 season.
McAvoy, who was quoted stressing that he would call the shots in terms of team selection next season – “ultimately I’ll decide who plays” – told Hearts’ official website: “The first few days have been excellent.
“The three of us have worked extremely hard with the players to bring them up to speed as quick as we can.
“We’re coming up against Plymouth on Thursday and we need to make sure they’re in the best shape that they can be in a short period of time.
“There’s been some tough sessions for them so far.
“A key consideration is building camaraderie within the group which is massive.
“These trips aren’t a holiday, far from it. We want a strong group that knows each other well. We want to identify areas where we’re strong, and areas where we need to improve.
“After the seven games at the end of last season, we can start to see that come to fruition.
“It’s early stages but we’re hopeful that we can kick on even further. The campaign we’re facing is going to be a marathon, not a sprint. Starting well, having a good pre-season, puts us in good stead.”
Swansea have signed versatile defender Josh Key from Exeter on an initial three-year deal.
The 23-year-old, who has spent the last eight years on the Grecians’ books, can play full-back, wing-back or as a winger and is Michael Duff’s second signing since taking charge of the Swans.
The Welsh club hold an option for another 12 months through to 2027 should Key impress.
As Key is 23, Exeter are due compensation, and negotiations are ongoing on a figure, Swansea said on their website.
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