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Wiegman names Lionesses squad
Sarina Wiegman has named a 23-women squad for England’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Austria and Luxembourg — with Euro 2022 hero Chloe Kelly a notable absentee.
Manchester City forward Kelly, 24, struck the winning goal in last month’s memorable 2-1 triumph over Germany at Wembley but misses next month’s clashes through injury, as does Fran Kirby.
Chelsea’s Lauren James — sister of men’s international Reece — is one of five fresh call-ups to the squad and is in line to make her Lionesses debut.
She is joined by Manchester United’s Katie Zelem, City stopper Sandy MacIver and Houston Dash youngster Ebony Salmon alongside experienced Arsenal midfielder Jordan Nobbs.
England go to Austria on September 3 before hosting Luxembourg at Stoke’s Bet365 Stadium three days later.
Gerrard: Bolton win brings ‘confidence and belief’
Steven Gerrard believes Aston Villa’s Carabao Cup victory over League One Bolton last night can kick-start their campaign.
The Villans have taken just three points from their opening three Premier League matches this term and fell behind to the Trotters early on via a Dion Charles strike.
Yet goals from Douglas Luiz — direct from a corner — Danny Ings, Lucas Digne and Leon Bailey turned the tie on its head, with Gerrard hopeful of a morale boost following a tough start this term.
The ex-England midfielder, 42 said: “The players and I know that the performance and result at the weekend [against Crystal Palace] was not good enough.
“We set them a challenge to qualify for the next round and put themselves in the best possible place for West Ham.
“That is a huge game for us now at the weekend but we can go there now with a bit more confidence and belief.
“We’re at home with our fans behind us and if we manage to achieve what we want to achieve, it will settle a few things down.”
David Moyes’ Hammers head to the West Midlands propping up the Premier League table having lost all three of their opening encounters.
Goldson chases Champions League dream
Rangers defender Connor Goldson admits Champions League qualification would see him fulfil the unlikeliest of boyhood dreams.
The Gers travel to PSV Eindhoven tonight knowing victory in the Netherlands will secure them a spot in the group stage, having drawn 2-2 at Ibrox in last week’s first leg.
And for their 29-year-old defender, who has risen from English football’s lower reaches, playing in Europe’s biggest club competition is a scarcely believable prospect.
Goldson explained: “You have dreams as a kid and this is the pinnacle of club football, so to do it would be an amazing achievement and hopefully we can do it.
“I probably never felt that I would ever play Champions League football. Growing up at Shrewsbury in League Two, did I ever envisage that I’d be able to actually do it? Probably not.
“It’s obviously a big achievement from where we’ve come. If you look at the journey that we’ve taken over these last four years, it’s been amazing.”
Boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst will be without star striker Alfredo Morelos however, after the Colombian was left out of the travelling squad due to fitness and attitude concerns.
McKirdy given three-game ban
Swindon forward Harry McKirdy has been handed a three-match ban and a £1,500 fine by the FA after an ill-tempered reaction to a red card.
The controversial forward, 25, netted 19 goals for the Robins last term and is a man in demand but started his new campaign by being sent off against Salford on August 6.
Sky Sports reported yesterday that McKirdy, who was incensed by referee Andy Woolmer’s decision to award him a second yellow card, stormed into the official’s changing room and smashed a protein shake against the wall — soaking Woolmer’s suit.
Now, despite having already served a one-game suspension earlier this month, McKirdy will miss three further clashes having been found in breach of FA Rule E3.
