Just like the Women’s World Cup which was shown on the BBC, the same will happen for the Women’s Euros.
A record-breaking 28.1 million people watched the tournament on television and the highest live TV audience of 2019 so far came when 11.7 million people watched England lose 2-1 to the USA at the semi-final stage.
Director of BBC Sport Barbara Slater stated:
“After the success of the World Cup on the BBC and the record-breaking viewing figures for women’s football, we’re delighted to be the broadcaster of the Uefa Women’s Euro 2021 Championship.
“At the start of this summer we wanted to shift the dial on women’s football and I feel the phenomenal coverage from France has done just that. The BBC’s sport portfolio continues to go from strength to strength and we’re thrilled to add the 2021 Euros to that.”
The BBC have made an excellent decision to secure the rights to the Women’s Euros in 2021 as they look to increase interest in the women’s game and help it grow even further.
Having the tournament on terrestrial TV where it can be watched by young boys and girls and inspire them is a sensible decision that is sure to pay off.
Following on from providing extensive coverage of the Women’s World Cup, it shows the BBC’s continued commitment to women’s football.
[columns]
[column size=”1/2″][blog type=”timeline” posts=”10″ cats=”34″ heading=”Womens Football” heading_type=”timeline” /][/column]
[column size=”1/2″][blog type=”timeline” posts=”10″ cats=”117″ heading=”England” heading_type=”timeline” /][/column]
[/columns]
Despite being the only team in the tournament to stop USA going ahead in the first half, the Netherlands were ultimately outclassed as the quality of their opponents shone through in the second 45 minutes.
The Netherlands had just one shot on target in the final and will no doubt regret showing the USA too much respect and not attacking like they did at the Euros in 2017.
Dutch striker van de Sanden, who plays her club football for Lyon, spoke after the match:
“Of course I’m disappointed, but of course we know how good USA is. We were close and it was 0-0 at half time, we were playing well. Of course, we are disappointed, but we will move on to the next one.
“Yeah we did really good but after the penalty, they keep going and that’s how they won the game. We had a tough tournament, but tough stuff makes you stronger.
“I am very proud of the team and myself because we are now second in the world and have a silver medal.”
Considering this is just the second World Cup that the Netherlands have qualified for, it is certainly a remarkable achievement for them to finish second behind the best team in the world.
Dutch midfielder Desiree van Lunteren gave her thoughts on how the match transpired:
“Everyone on the field is a good player, but you have to be assured and then you give them no chances but sometimes it is possible, sometimes it is not.”
“Yeah they got a penalty and they score the penalty but there is still enough time for us to score a goal. Unfortunately, that was not possible, and then when they scored another, you don’t want to say it’s over but is 2-0.
“I can not see the penalty, from my position I would say no, but I don’t see it very well.”
[columns]
[column size=”1/2″][blog type=”timeline” posts=”10″ cats=”839″ heading=”Womens World Cup” heading_type=”timeline” /][/column]
[column size=”1/2″][blog type=”timeline” posts=”10″ cats=”211″ heading=”Womens Football” heading_type=”timeline” /][/column]
[/columns]
]]>
While stars like Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan grabbed the headlines for the USA during another triumphant tournament, Lindsey Horan was one of the unsung heroes of the World Cup.
Speaking after winning her first World Cup, Horan said:
“We realised we’d won when the whistle blew. The second goal really kind of helped to seal the deal but when the whistle blew we ran out and we were champions which is the most amazing feeling.”
There have been clamours for Horan to start more games during the tournament. She played the full 90 minutes in all three of USA’s group games but was then used as a substitute for their round of 16 and quarter-final matches. Horan was then reinstated to the starting line-up when USA beat England in the semi-final only to be back on the bench for the final, in which she played no part.
“It’s hard at times to watch from the side but it’s this whole team that makes us win and every single person on the team contributed so it’s amazing what all 23 players have done.”
While a squad needs all 23 players, especially if they are to win the tournament, Horan may feel disappointed not to have played more.
As well as 2015 and 2019, the USA also won the tournament in 1991 and 1999. Horan knows how important those victories were:
“The class of ’99 were the ones the started it, they are the legends we all look up to. I hope we never lose the fire and mentality which could make us legends for future USWNT players. I was very young but I watched tapes and still took after them as much as I could.”
Talking about USA’s fourth World Cup win, Horan stated:
“So many countries have progressed over the last few years, and that’s why this World Cup was so amazing and made sure it was so competitive. It was up for grabs and I’m so thankful that we worked our butt off till the very end.”
On their way to victory, USA beat Spain, hosts France, one of the favourites England and then the Netherlands. It is fair to say they did it the hard way and swept all before them.
[columns]
[column size=”1/2″][blog type=”timeline” posts=”10″ cats=”839″ heading=”Womens World Cup” heading_type=”timeline” /][/column]
[column size=”1/2″][blog type=”timeline” posts=”10″ cats=”211″ heading=”USWNT” heading_type=”timeline” /][/column]
[/columns]
1) Be alert at set-pieces
Co-captain and USA’s top scorer at this tournament, Megan Rapinoe, has scored four of her five goals from set-pieces. Corners, free-kicks and penalties have been a very effective source of goals for the three-time champions.
England, particularly Steph Houghton and Millie Bright, will have to defend impeccably from set-pieces to thwart the USA’s attacking threat. Just one lapse in concentration and it could be game over.
2) Get the ball to Ellen White
Ellen White is England’s top scorer at this tournament for a reason and can control the game to devastating effect as shown with her brace in England’s 2-0 win against Group D opponents Japan. The Manchester City-bound striker is clinical and precise with her finishing and is a huge asset to the team.
England may not get many chances against the USA. When they do, it is imperative that White is on the end of them.
White, on five goals, is in competition with Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe for the Golden Boot and will be desperate to get on the scoresheet in a bid to help England reach the final.
3) Be more careful in possession
Against Norway, England were unable to control midfield during periods of the first half. The Lionesses can, on occasion, be loose in possession and this will undoubtedly be punished by the best and most successful international women’s side in the game.
Taking care to pick out the right pass can make all the difference in what is expected to be a fast-paced, high-tempo encounter with a place in the final at stake.
[columns]
[column size=”1/2″][blog type=”timeline” posts=”10″ cats=”839″ heading=”England Women” heading_type=”timeline” /][/column]
[column size=”1/2″][blog type=”timeline” posts=”10″ cats=”211″ heading=”Womens World Cup” heading_type=”timeline” /][/column]
[/columns]
Bright and captain Steph Houghton were solid at the back after keeping a clean sheet against Norway when there were several sticky moments in which they could have conceded.
Goals in the first half from Jill Scott and Ellen White saw England on their way to victory before a stunner from Lucy Bronze wrapped up the win after the break.
Asked how she coped after overcoming a virus to play the full 90 minutes, Bright said:
“Yeah, the last 20 [minutes] was a bit of a struggle but yeah, I think the adrenaline gets you through and I think we’re used to grinding it out and digging deep and I think that’s in me as a person anyway so I managed to get through.”
The Lionesses were ahead after when Jill Scott scored after just three minutes, which was certainly beneficial to Bright and her team-mates:
“I wouldn’t say its relief but it is in a way because I think the early goal in tournament football is massive and I think it kind of settles the game a little bit.
“It allows you to be calmer in the game, composed, you’re not rushing for a goal, it’s just something to build on.
“So obviously we were always grateful for getting the early goal but I think that’s something we’ve done well in the tournament, Ells [Ellen White] has been outstanding at doing that and we’ve been very clinical.
“That’s something that we’ve always been working on, being more ruthless in the final third and I think that’s paying off now.”
Ruthlessness has been mentioned as an area where England need to improve and Bright believes they have done that:
“I think we’ve grown so much, even throughout the tournament, the past few games, we’ve definitely grown as a team and I think being clinical and ruthless is the thing that was missing for us but I think we’ve nailed that now and we’ve just got to keep growing and performing and keep working on it.
“Of course, everything can always be better but yeah, it’s our baseline now and we settle for nothing less.”
Bright was in top form throughout the game, as was captain Steph Houghton who was alert to danger, clearing Lisa-Marie Utland’s effort off the line, as well as intervening to deny Caroline Graham Hansen a seemingly certain goal just after the break.
“It’s always a pleasure to play alongside Steph and I always say she’s a great captain and a great player and she’s still helping me learn in the game so yeah it’s always an honour and I think we’ve played really well and we’ve started to really gel now as a squad, not just as a team.”
Playing out from the back is encouraged in Phil Neville’s side but it doesn’t come without risks:
“It’s probably just trying to keep the ball and as an individual, you take responsibility if it’s not up to scratch.
“I take full responsibility if the pass is not quite right but again he’ll never discourage you for trying to play rather than just kicking it out so yeah I just think we have to keep building like I say and it’s never going to be a perfect game, it’s football it’s always going to be up and down at some point so we just have to build on it.”
Caroline Graham Hansen has been superb for Norway throughout the tournament but Bright made sure that she didn’t get the chance to shine against England:
“You make sure as an individual you’re aware of who you’re coming up against and obviously we knew she [CGH] was going to be a threat from watching games that she’s played in so far and she’s a great technical player.
“She’s quick so we just knew that we had to either yourself that extra yard and just read kind of where she was going to run but I love a one-on-one challenge anyway so I’ll always be up for that.
“We always analyse teams and individually if you want to pay attention to another player more so than others, obviously strikers is something that I definitely look at.
“I think it’s important, I think it’s something you have to do as a player at this sort of level, I don’t think you can go into a game blind and not know what you’re coming up against. She’s a key player for them.”
Asked if the belief of winning the tournament has grown as the team have progressed, Bright though that it had:
“I think it grows. It has to when you get so much momentum and success but I think something Phil drives is that we go game by game and there’s no point thinking about the final if you’re not quite there yet and we’re not, we’ve got to go through the semis and every game is going to be a big game so you can’t afford to look ahead, you’ve just got to go one game at a time and that’s been our process so far and it’s a good one to have and it’s working so we’ll continue to do that.”
After the victory over Norway, attention turns to the Lionesses’ semi-final opponents, either hosts France or holders the USA and Bright is fully aware of the qualities both teams possess:
“I think they’re both great teams, they’re attacking. I think the USA team would probably be more high tempo maybe, bit quicker, I think their athleticism is next level so that would be a great test but we’ve matched both of the teams previously in our matches so we’ll just wait and see who we get.”
[columns]
[column size=”1/2″][blog type=”timeline” posts=”10″ cats=”839″ heading=”England Women” heading_type=”timeline” /][/column]
[column size=”1/2″][blog type=”timeline” posts=”10″ cats=”211″ heading=”Womens World Cup” heading_type=”timeline” /][/column]
[/columns]
Scotland were 3-0 up and seemingly heading into the knock-out stages until a 16-minute collapse and a contentious VAR decision saw Shelley Kerr’s side bow out of the tournament.
With three points essential for progression, Scotland were left to wonder about what could have been as Argentina came from behind to earn their second point of the tournament and left the Scots finishing bottom of Group D.
Strong start from Scotland
In their first two games, Scotland had started slow and only come to life in the last half an hour when it was too little too late. With qualification at stake, they were a completely different side. Scotland continually threatened from the start of the game and were rewarded for their efforts with 19 minutes gone.
Erin Cuthbert’s thunderous strike was saved by Argentina goalkeeper Vanina Correa but Cuthbert was alive to the rebound and hooked the ball across the face of goal for the stretching Kim Little to prod in from six yards. For the first time at the World Cup, Scotland had taken the lead.
Photo: Jeff Wong
Second half dominance provides hope
Just one goal to the good, Scotland set out to increase their lead in the second half. Four minutes later, they were 2-0 up. Caroline Weir’s cross was whipped in and headed home from close range by Jen Beattie to give the Scots a two-goal cushion.
Erin Cuthbert then became the latest Scotland player to score her first World Cup goal. Caroline Weir swung in a corner which Leanne Crichton met with a powerful header. Correa tipped it onto the post but the ball fell to Cuthbert who fired home from close range to make it 3-0.
Photo: Jeff Wong
Argentina start the comeback
Less than 20 minutes remained of the match when Scotland completely squandered their lead. Milagros Menendez began the comeback after slack defending at the back gave Argentina a route back into the game.
Argentina smelled blood and the momentum shifted. Against the run of play, Florencia Bonsegundo hammered a shot from distance, more in hope than expectation, and it went in off the underside of the crossbar, catching Scotland keeper Lee Alexander completely off-guard.
Photo: Jeff Wong
Three penalties conceded in three games as heartbreak is confirmed
Argentina’s third and final goal was the most controversial of them all. They were awarded a penalty to which there could be no complaints, after Sophie Howard slid in and sent Aldana Cometti tumbling to the ground.
After a lengthy VAR review, the referee awarded the penalty and for the third game in a row, the Scots had conceded a spot kick. Bonsegundo stepped up and her penalty was brilliantly saved by Alexander but a retake was then ordered because she had both feet off the line as she made the save.
Bonsegundo was undeterred and converted at the second attempt to leave Scotland devastated and heading home.
The game finished in bizarre fashion. Despite the two VAR decisions consuming over seen minutes of time, the assistant referee held up a board indicating just four minutes added time.
Even more bizarrely, the North Korean referee blew the full time whistle just 80 seconds later to the bemusement of both sets of players.
As the players tried to remonstrate with her, she left the field leaving both sides out there wondering if someone from FIFA would order the required time to be played.
[columns]
[column size=”1/2″][blog type=”timeline” posts=”10″ cats=”839″ heading=”Scotland Women” heading_type=”timeline” /][/column]
[column size=”1/2″][blog type=”timeline” posts=”10″ cats=”211″ heading=”Womens World Cup” heading_type=”timeline” /][/column]
[/columns]
Jodie Taylor scored her first international goal since April 2018 to give England their second victory in as many games in Group D.
A quick counter from the Lionesses saw Jill Scott break with pace through the middle and links up with Fran Kirby. The Chelsea midfielder laid it off to Beth Mead on the left.
The WSL winner, who provided 12 league assists last season, then drilled a brilliant ball across the face of the goal and Taylor was in the right place to poke it in at the back post.
Argentina came to frustrate England, a task that they did very well up until the goal. Even after conceding, the South Americans didn’t let their heads drop.
England dominated the game throughout and would have had more than one goal to show for their efforts if Vanina Correa hadn’t been in inspired form.
Correa single-handedly keeps the score down
England were throwing everything but the kitchen sink at Argentina and finding their efforts repelled by Correa, with the Argentine keeper having the game of her life. In the first half alone, Correa denied Jill Scott, saved a Nikita Parris penalty, thwarted Beth Mead when she was through one-on-one
Her excellent performance continued after the break with Correa denying Parris from Alex Greenwood’s free-kick. In the 62nd minute, Correa’s resilience was finally broken when Jodie Taylor got on the end of a superb ball from Mead to poke home and put England in front. It is no surprise that Correa was voted Player of the Match.
Job done for England
England had one aim going into the match – to make it into the last 16 – and they achieved it. Argentina made it incredibly difficult for the Lionesses but they stuck to their task. The 1-0 scoreline did not reflect England’s superb performance and kept the game on a knife-edge until the final whistle.
This was undoubtedly their toughest test so far and will stand them in good stead for their final group game against Japan and even further into the tournament. England can be pleased with their performance against Argentina but must be more clinical in the final third.
England XI: Telford, Bronze, Houghton, McManus, Greenwood, Moore, Scott, Kirby (Carney 89), Parris (Daly 87), Taylor, Mead (Stanway 81)
Argentina XI: Correa, Barroso, Stabile, Sachs, Cometti, Bravo, Jaimes (Oviedo), Banini (Larroquette 68), Bonsegundo, Mayorga, Benitez (Santana 77)
Goal: Jodie Taylor (61) – England
Attendance: 20,294
[columns]
[column size=”1/2″][blog type=”timeline” posts=”10″ cats=”839″ heading=”England Women” heading_type=”timeline” /][/column]
[column size=”1/2″][blog type=”timeline” posts=”10″ cats=”211″ heading=”Womens World Cup” heading_type=”timeline” /][/column]
[/columns]
The Lionesses have plenty of experience in their team but they also have 11 members of the squad who are making their World Cup debuts in France.
Manchester City midfielder Kiera Walsh is one of the young, fresh players who has never experienced World Cup football before. Karen Carney on the other hand, is one of the most senior players in the squad and is playing in her eighth major tournament, having burst on to the scene as a 17-year-old at Euro 2005.
The Chelsea midfielder won her 141st cap as a substitute against Scotland, leapfrogging Alex Scott as the second most-capped Lioness in history.
Carney recognises her role as a senior figure in the squad and is happy to mentor the younger Lionesses during the tournament.
Speaking about her first World Cup experience, after the victory in their first group game, Walsh said:
“Kaz [Karen] Carney said that I’ve got to give her a shout out for this you know before the game, I was a little bit nervous.”
“She sat me down and was like eleven players on the pitch for both teams, you’ve played against these players in the WSL week in, week out and I play with a lot of the girls at City so she said there’s nothing to be worried about just do your thing so I think having that word off her it really did calm me down before the game.”
Walsh went on to play the full 90 minutes for her country and could be proud of the performance she put in to help her team to victory.
“I think when I’ve got the world class players around me that I do at England, I’ve got Jill Scott next to me talking me through the game I think that really helps.”
“I just tried to play simple and keep the ball ticking over and not try to do anything fancy in my first game you know just try to relax into the tournament and enjoy the game that’s the most important thing.”
For her first game, Walsh can consider it a success and will look to build on her performance when England take on Argentina and then Japan in Group D.
[columns]
[column size=”1/2″][blog type=”timeline” posts=”10″ cats=”839″ heading=”England Women” heading_type=”timeline” /][/column]
[column size=”1/2″][blog type=”timeline” posts=”10″ cats=”211″ heading=”Womens World Cup” heading_type=”timeline” /][/column]
[/columns]
England are undoubtedly the favourites when they face Scotland in Nice on Sunday. In order to get their tournament off to a winning start against their neighbours, here are three key things that England have to do.
Dominate possession early on
Scoring an early goal is not essential for England but they will be looking to grow in confidence throughout the match by being dominant in possession. The Lionesses are at their best when they control the ball and they will look to unsettle Scotland with clinical passing before pouncing once their opponents tire of running after the ball.
Don’t panic
Being expected to win comes with plenty of expectation and this can be overwhelming but England have to be prepared. The Lionesses are now experienced enough at the highest level to know how to deal with matches of this magnitude.
However, it is important to bear in mind that Scotland are making their World Cup debut and they will go into this match feeling that they have nothing to lose. England are more than capable of using their experience, as well as their talent, to overcome a Scotland side who are not accustomed to performing on such a big stage.
Ignore warm-up defeats and remember your strengths
The Lionesses are one of the favourites to win the tournament for a reason. Their ‘Road to France’ series of warm-up matches was a 50% success with two wins against Spain and Denmark and two defeats at the hands of Canada and New Zealand. The defeats were concerning but they should not deter England too much.
Phil Neville’s side have to put the defeats to the back of their mind and focus on the World Cup.
This is where their quality will shine through and they have the chance to become the first England side to win the World Cup since 1966. They must not lose sight of this.
[columns]
[column size=”1/2″][blog type=”timeline” posts=”10″ cats=”839″ heading=”England Women” heading_type=”timeline” /][/column]
[column size=”1/2″][blog type=”timeline” posts=”10″ cats=”211″ heading=”Womens World Cup” heading_type=”timeline” /][/column]
[/columns]
The team formerly known as AFC Phoenix, will now become Dulwich Hamlet Women. They played independently as AFC Phoenix for nearly a decade after being established in 2010.
The club had been self-sustained up until this point but after successful meetings, a merger was agreed, paving the way for the first fully-fledged Dulwich Hamlet Women squad.
Talking about the merger, captain Brittany Saylor said:
“We are thrilled to become a part of the Dulwich family. The club ethos and community support along with the talent and dedication of our girls is a definite recipe for success. We’re looking forward to continuing our accomplishments under the Dulwich name.”
The team will play their home matches at Champion Hill in an unmissable pink and blue strip.
[columns]
[column size=”1/2″][blog type=”timeline” posts=”10″ cats=”34″ heading=”Womens Football” heading_type=”timeline” /][/column]
[column size=”1/2″][blog type=”timeline” posts=”10″ cats=”117″ heading=”England” heading_type=”timeline” /][/column]
[/columns]