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McGinn gets Gerrard’s backing
Steven Gerrard has spoken in glowing terms about his new Aston Villa captain John McGinn.
Gerrard named the 27-year-old Scot as skipper last month, taking over the role from England regular Tyrone Mings.
The decision sparked plenty of discussion externally but Gerrard admits he is delighted with how the transition has gone on both sides.
He explained: “I think the change has been really smooth and that is credit to Tyrone’s reaction. I spoke to Tyrone first and gave him my reasons, some of which will remain private.
“But I inherited Tyrone as the captain when I took this job in November. I always wanted to name a full-time captain, I wanted that to be my captain and my decision.
“I analysed the group really closely on and off the pitch and I’m really happy and content with my decision to go with John McGinn.
“He’s universally respected, he’s been around the club for a long time and the fans adore him. Everyone around Bodymoor, around Villa Park has major respect for John.
“He plays with consistency, he’s my type of player.”
Gunners loss was bolt for the Blues
Thomas Tuchel believes Chelsea’s heavy pre-season defeat to Arsenal gave his side a much-needed reality check.
The Blues were thumped 4-0 by their London rivals in Florida a fortnight ago, in a performance the German described as “simply not good enough”.
Yet the 48-year-old has been pleased with the response from his squad, who head to Everton for their Premier League opener tomorrow evening.
Tuchel said: “We are some steps further on [from that game] Maybe it was necessary to lose that game against a rival like Arsenal, who are trying to take our place [in the top four]. It was a wake-up call for everybody.
“It is natural in the last week of pre-season you see a new focus, a new excitement and a new level in training.
“The legs are fresh now, but we are not where we can be. We feel ready and competitive for tomorrow.”
Lionesses rise to fourth
England Women have risen to fourth in the world rankings following their Euro 2022 triumph.
The Lionesses were ranked eighth coming into the tournament but now find themselves only three places behind the USA, who they face at Wembley on October 7.
Beaten finalists Germany are up three places into second while Sweden — thumped 4-0 by Sarina Wiegman’s side in the semis — drop one spot to third.
