List of All Articles with Tag 'epsocmag'

Mason Greenwood will leave Manchester United after both parties concluded it would be inappropriate for the forward to continue his career at Old Trafford. United will instead work to find Greenwood a club elsewhere after chief executive Richard Arnold concluded an internal investigation in which he decided that the 21-year-old did not commit criminal offences and that audio of him sounding as though he was trying to force himself upon a woman did not represent the full picture. Criminal charges of attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and controlling and coercive behaviour were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in February. But Arnold determined – and Greenwood agreed – that it would be better if he were to move elsewhere and discussions are continuing as to whether his contract will be terminated or if he should be sold or loaned. Greenwood, who has been suspended by United for 18 months, said he had made mistakes, accepted his reputation was damaged and vowed to be a “better person” in the future. He said: “I want to start by saying I understand that people will judge me because of what they have seen and heard on social media, and I know people will think the worst. I was brought up to know that violence or abuse ... is wrong, I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges [the charges were actually dropped by the CPS when key witnesses withdrew their involvement and new material came to light]. “However, I fully accept I made mistakes ... and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post. I am learning to understand my responsibilities to set a good example as a professional footballer, and I’m focused on the big responsibility of being a father. “Today’s decision has been part of a collaborative process between Manchester United, my family and me. The best decision for us all, is for me to continue my football career away from Old Trafford, where my presence will not be a distraction for the club. I thank the club for their support since I joined aged seven. There will always be a part of me which is United. “I am enormously grateful to my family and all my loved ones for their support, and it is now for me to repay the trust those around me have shown. I intend to be a better footballer, but most importantly a good father, a better person, and to use my talents in a positive way on and off the pitch.” Greenwood, who currently has two years left on his contract, scored 35 goals in 129 games for United and has been capped once by England. Arnold, who said he was shocked when he heard the recording of Greenwood, said it was not a “quick or straightforward process” and noted the alleged victim had dropped her complaint. He stated: “When audio footage and imagery was posted online in January 2022, my feelings were of shock and concern for the alleged victim. Her welfare, wishes and perspective have been central to the club’s approach ever since, as have the club’s standards and values. While we immediately concluded that Mason should be suspended pending investigation, we were also conscious of our duty of care towards him. “While I am satisfied that Mason did not commit the acts he was charged with, Mason’s accepted that he has made mistakes which he takes responsibility for. I am also mindful of the challenge that Mason would face rebuilding his career and raising a baby together with his partner in the harsh spotlight of Manchester United. Further, this case has provoked strong opinions, and it is my responsibility to minimise any distraction to the unity we are seeking within the club.” Read More Mason Greenwood timeline: How the Manchester United star fell from grace

The final match of the weekend in the Premier League takes place on Monday night with Crystal Palace hosting Arsenal at Selhurst Park. Roy Hodgson is back once more for another campaign with the Eagles and they made a good start to 2023/24 with a 1-0 win at Sheffield United on the opening weekend. Arsenal, meanwhile, battled to a 2-1 home victory over Nottingham Forest, with Mikel Arteta’s side hoping to go one better this term after finishing runners-up to Man City in May. The Gunners have added the likes of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz to their squad over the summer, while Palace lost key winger Wilf Zaha - but have brought in Matheus Franca from Flamengo in their big-money addition so far. Follow all the live action below as Crystal Palace host Arsenal and see the latest odds for the game here. Read More Bryan Mbeumo, Nicolas Jackson and 5 players to buy ahead of FPL Gameweek 3 Declan Rice is type of player everyone is looking for – Palace boss Roy Hodgson Michael Olise signs bumper new deal as Crystal Palace fend off Chelsea interest

After a narrow win over Nottingham Forest on the opening day, Arsenal will be looking for a second successive victory as they aim to push Manchester City for the title again. Arsenal have won their last two matches against Crystal Palace, but with Roy Hodgson in charge again, Palace fans will be hoping for a repeat of their 3-0 win over the Gunners in April 2022. After shelling out for the likes of now-injured Jurriën Timber and Declan Rice in the summer, Mikel Arteta will be hoping his side can find their footing and although it’s only early in the season, if they want to challenge for the top spot, they cannot afford any slip-ups. It will be the Eagles’ first home game of the campaign after winning at recently-promoted Sheffield United on the opening weekend. Here’s everything you need to know about the fixture; get all the latest football betting sites offers here and get all the latest Palace vs Arsenal odds here. When is Crystal Palace vs Arsenal? Crystal Palace vs Arsenal is due to kick-off at 8pm on Monday 21 August at Selhurst Park in London. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League - from 6.30 pm Team news Arsenal will be without Gabriel Jesus and Jurrien Timber for the match with knee injuries and Mikel Arteta will be hoping Oleksandr Zinchenko will have built up enough fitness to be able to start. Michael Olise is still expected to be injured in another blow to Roy Hodgson, but Palace are likely to be compact and organised against the Gunners. Predicted line-ups Crystal Palace XI: Johnstone; Ward, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Doucoure, Lerma; Ayew, Eze, Schlupp; Edouard Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Partey; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli Odds Crystal Palace win 9/2 Draw 12/5 Arsenal win 1/2 Prediction It might be cagey at times and Arsenal will have to work hard but they will get the three points in a relatively straightforward affair. Crystal Palace 0-2 Arsenal Read More Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal could dip back in market after Jurrien Timber injury Mikel Arteta presents David Raya’s grandfather, 91, with gift as goalkeeper signs for Arsenal Eddie Nketiah forced his way into Arsenal team with performances in training, Arteta says Liverpool to appeal Alexis Mac Allister’s red card in win against Bournemouth Everton condemn ‘vile’ racist abuse aimed at midfielder Amadou Onana Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster retires from football for a second time

Luis Rubiales, the Spanish FA president at the centre of a storm following the Women’s World Cup final, has been caught making an obscene gesture during celebrations at full-time. Rubiales came under fire in the aftermath of Spain’s 1-0 win over England in Sydney for kissing Spanish player Jenni Hermoso on the lips on the presentation stage. Asked about the moment, Hermoso intially said: “Eh... yeah, I did not enjoy that.” Later, via quotes put out by the Spanish FA, she described the kiss with the organisation’s president as “mutual and spontaneous”. Now footage has emerged of Rubiales grabbing his genitals in celebration in the moments after Spain’s victory. Standing close to Queen Letizia of Spain and her 16-year-old daughter, video shows him punch the air and apparently point at the players before making the gesture. Rubiales was later asked about the kissing incident, in which he grabbed Hermoso’s head. He told Radio Marca that it was merely “two people having a minor show of affection” and that he will not take notice of “idiocy,” referencing those outraged by his behaviour. “The kiss with Jenni? There are idiots everywhere,” he said. “When two people have a minor show of affection, we can’t listen to idiocies. We are champions and that is what stays with me.” Spain’s Equality Minister Irene Montero criticised his actions, saying: “We shouldn’t assume that kissing someone without their consent is something that just happens. It’s a form of sexual violence women suffer regularly, and invisibly, that we cannot normalise.” The latest footage is likely to increase pressure on Rubiales, whose role in charge of the country’s game has also come under scrutiny for his handling of a players’ protest which saw several Spain stars boycott the World Cup. Read More Moment Spanish FA president kisses Jenni Hermoso on the lips after world cup win Spain star reacts after FA president kisses her on lips Jorge Vilda: Spain’s World Cup coach at the heart of a civil war

As Olga Carmona ran back to the Spanish celebrations, having just declared that the federation’s support was “marvellous” with a World Cup medal around her neck, she and manager Jorge Vilda high-fived then shared a huge hug. It was an image that went against the more prolific pictures of other players refusing to even look at their coach in the moment of glory. This is not to try and say it was all much rosier in the Spanish camp than had been reported. It is quite the opposite. It points to how multi-layered the many issues in the squad were, going way beyond a mutiny against the manager. The tragic news of Carmona's father passing away before the final illustrates this. But, separate from this tragedy, the issues were real. The Spanish federation’s social media account did put out a post with a picture of the coach and the Women’s World Cup trophy declaring “Vilda in”. The manager, having eventually appeared for his press conference after almost three hours of celebrating, was asked about this – and those who doubted him. In other words, the players at the core of the mutiny, who did not come back. Vilda’s answer was perhaps the most direct reference he’s made to the controversy throughout this World Cup, but was still oblique. “I’m happy for everyone we made happy and that wanted our squad to win. That’s it.” It was just another layer to a situation that has seen a core of players mutiny against the coach and the federation, some come back, with individuals then standing alongside replacements for rebels. It is understood there is a growing Real Madrid-Barcelona issue, to go alongside a more complicated split between those who are in the squad and have little time for Vilda and those who are completely indebted to him. Madrid’s Carmona, whose influence in the squad grew after the mutiny, is very much one of the latter. There is a lot that can be said about all this, but all pale next to the most relevant statement of all. Spain are world champions. Jenni Hermoso had an unintentionally pointed comment on that: “It is easier to say you are world champions than to achieve it.” That has rarely been so true. The most fascinating part of it all is that nobody has ever won any major tournament in a manner even close to this. It is a victory completely without precedent in the history of the sport. There’s an obvious reason for that. Squads faced with such strife usually fall apart. The centre doesn’t hold. It is in many ways how not to win a World Cup. You only have to look at France 2002 and 2010, the Netherlands at Euro 96 and even various men’s Spanish teams. And yet, in the moment of glory, there was another image that symbolised so much. By the penalty area where goalkeeper Cata Coll withstood England’s late pressure, all of the Spanish players had come together in one big group. Almost at the other end of the pitch, by the sideline, the coaching staff celebrated in their own separate huddle. That alone symbolised so much. And yet there was more. In the middle was the entire England squad, Sarina Wiegman and her staff gathering the players together for a consoling message of pride. It was the team with much more unity that had, in many ways, been taken apart. The question isn’t quite how, though. There are obvious explanations. Just as a very specific set of circumstances fostered this crisis, a very specific set of circumstances have also made Spain the best team in the world. All of these players have come through a superb coaching infrastructure, immersed in a highly specific identity, that just isn’t yet visible anywhere else in a developing women’s game. It has given them a supreme advantage that allows them to overcome an unprecedented number of problems. You only have to look at the instinctive way their players get out of the tightest of spaces, to initiate an intricate passing triangle. Any conscious issues are inevitably overcome when it comes that naturally. Carmona’s goal was the perfect example of this. It was executed at such speed and with such flow it was as if they didn’t even need to think about it. They just knew what to do. It was ingrained. It used to be like this for the Spanish men, goalkeeper Coll even making a point of mentioning of how she was inspired by Andres Iniesta and Iker Casillas in 2010. It was just that other countries caught up and began to develop plans that worked very well to counter it. Wiegman gave as good an attempt as anyone, other than Japan. This is another historic anomaly with this Spanish team. No one outside West Germany 1954 has ever won either a men or women’s World Cup having lost a game by more than two goals. Wiegman and her staff had, of course, pored over footage of Spain’s 4-0 defeat to Japan. They thought they had something figured out, but found Vilda’s side had stepped up a level. The Japan match had evidently allowed insight into potential solutions for Spain’s tactical problems. Wiegman almost seemed blown away by how good Spain were, in a very gracious press conference. She naturally admitted they deserved it and then elaborated on the almost impossible balance she tried to strike between pressing Spain but not leaving space in behind. It’s immensely difficult when a player like Aitana Bonmati can just escape in the way she does. That is, again, the other side of this issue. If Spain’s preparation shows how not to win a World Cup, their idea of the game is just how to play football. There are so many moments you watch one of those moves and think every single footballer should have this as a fundamental of their game. There may be fair questions over whether Vilda is any good as a coach at all but he did get one big call right on Sunday: it was clearly correct to go with Salma Paralluelo over Alexia Putellas and became more pronounced given Wiegman’s reluctance to play Lauren James from the start. One stuck. One twisted. It is one of many turns in the story of this campaign, that has never been as neat or as binary as portrayed. It still isn’t how you’d want to prepare for a World Cup, though. That is by far the most remarkable aspect of this fully deserved win. Read More Jorge Vilda: Spain’s World Cup coach at the heart of a civil war Spain star Jenni Hermoso reacts after FA president kisses her on lips Olga Carmona: Spain’s World Cup-winning goalscorer is informed of father’s death minutes after final ends Spanish FA boss who kissed player filmed making obscene gesture The anguish, emotion and the story of the Women’s World Cup in photos Women’s World Cup 2023 LIVE: England head home after final heartbreak

Goalkeeper Ben Foster has retired from football for a second time. The ex-Manchester United goalkeeper Forster walked away from the game last September but was convinced to end his retirement and sign for Wrexham in March. He has now called time on his career following a difficult start to the new campaign. Foster said: “I feel sometimes you’ve just got to be honest with yourself and admit that you can’t do what you used to be able to do.” Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds said on Twitter: “He built memories I’ll never let go of for as long as I live.” Read More Moment Spanish FA president kisses Jenni Hermoso on the lips after world cup win Lionesses ‘won the hearts’ of fans despite World Cup defeat Injured Lioness Beth Mead says World Cup has been ‘tough to watch’ from home

Ben Foster has retired from professional football for a second time, Wrexham have announced. The former England goalkeeper came out of retirement to help the Welsh club’s push for promotion to the football league in March. Foster made 12 appearances for the club, including four this season, during his second spell, having played for them back in 2005 on loan. He played as recently as Saturday (19 August) in Wrexham’s thrilling 5-5 draw with Swindon, but the 40-year-old made up his mind after the game, despite being just 10 weeks into his year-long contract. “The honest truth is that my performances this season haven’t reached the level I demand of myself, and I feel that now is the right time to retire,” Foster said in a statement. “At the forefront of my mind, when making this decision, was not only what was best for me but also the Club, and making the decision now gives the Club every opportunity to assess their options before the [transfer] window closes. “Wrexham will always have a special place in my heart.” Foster, who has eight England caps to his name, first hung up his gloves in September 2022 when his contract at Watford expired and they were relegated to the Championship. It was a career that began with Foster playing for RC Warwick and then Stoke back in 2001, and in the 22 years since he has played for a number of clubs including Manchester United. His return to Watford in 2018 marked his second spell with the Hornets. Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said: “Ben has been the model professional while at Wrexham and has done everything we have asked of him. “It takes a big person to make the decision he has and one who really understands this Football Club, with the timing of his decision. I am sure I speak for everyone, when thanking him for his contribution that went far beyond that one magnificent penalty save against Notts County to help us gain promotion last season. “Wrexham AFC was a better place for having Ben Foster around the Club.” Read More Hugh Jackman joins Ryan Reynolds at Wrexham game: ‘Finally snagged an invite!’ Wrexham’s league return in front of Hollywood stars spoiled by MK Dons Why James McClean needs Wrexham just as much as the club needs him Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster retires from football for a second time The anguish, emotion and the story of the Women’s World Cup in photos Are Everton the first crisis club of the season?

The Women’s World Cup has concluded. After more than four weeks of dramatic action in Australia, Spain defeated England in the final on Sunday to reach the highest of peaks and, with it, footballing immortality. It’s not over the top to suggest it as such, either; some of the sport’s most iconic and memorable images down the years have come from this very tournament and that very match, both in the women’s and men’s games: Birgit Prinz’s joy in 2007, Lionel Messi lifting the trophy adorned in a bisht in Qatar, Brandi Chastain’s shirt-off shootout celebration, Pele carried off the Azteca pitch in 1970. Those images are as much a part of football history as the games and players themselves – yet the people who bring those moments, those stories to life are, by the very nature of being behind the camera, rarely as prominent. Over in Australia and New Zealand, Getty Images is one of the most prominent global photography organisations providing such reproductions and reflections of what’s going on in the 2023 edition, which makes Lead Photographer Catherine Ivill perhaps better-placed – literally as well as figuratively – than most to detail just how the emotions of the occasion can be captured for those not fortunate enough to have a watching brief. “What I like most about it is telling the story for people who aren’t in the stadium. What we see and hear is only one thing; if you’re not there you need it describing. It’s about the atmosphere, in the game but also until long after the final whistle,” she told The Independent. “A tournament like this has its challenges but these opportunities only come along every few years. The process doesn’t change, just the scale. We send a really strong, experienced team: we have 27 photographers and eight editors on the ground and we provide images across the world, just the same as at the men’s World Cup.” And so to the action, the images, the moments which live on. The 2023 tournament started back on 20 July and it’s fair to say the magic started then, too, as co-hosts New Zealand won their first-ever game at any World Cup, ever. “I was at the fan fest in Wellington during the opening game and the atmopshere was incredible,” Ivill explained. “That one goal changed everything for New Zealand football and people’s respect for it: that one goal has created a legacy for it in the country. It’s such an important moment, you see the subs, the smiling faces – it was a good day.” And yet, football has two sides to every coin. And when there is utter jubilation and euphoria at success on the biggest stage, so too must there be devastation, desperation, despair – as evidenced by Ivill capturing Italy crashing out at the group stage in heartbreaking, last-minute fashion. “Italy gave it away. The utter devastation they were feeling is clear. If [celebratory] stuff is going on at the other end then it’s not always a good photo – you always initially think about the celebration being the good photo but Italy were near me so I focused on how they were feeling, it tells the same story but from a different side.” Even in hard moments can come a softer side in sport though, a moment where rivals know what their beaten opponents are going through. “What I like most about the women’s game is the empathy,” Ivill says. “A lot of these players play together and it’s not always about the celebration at the final whistle. Nobody wants to feel that rubbish at the final whistle and they’re always very willing to go over and help the other team. “It was a hard-fought game and they’re picking her up off the floor – I really like the empathy and the strength that this type of picture gives you.” Sometimes the picture everyone wants to see isn’t necessarily a defining moment, but the players who matter most. One of the world’s finest players and one of the game’s most exciting young talents coming together briefly, for example. “It’s a bit of both luck and planning. Most is luck but of course you have the players in mind. Linda Caicedo has been one of the standouts of the tournament so she’d be someone I would be focusing on – and it just so happens Lucy Bronze comes along at the same time. One’s Real Madrid, one is Barcelona – on paper the rivalry is there too.” No matter how much planning and knowledge goes into proceedings, though, the surprising nature of football is what keeps people coming back – Japan thrashing Spain 4-0 in the group stage being a good example, as Ivill found out. “That game I was on my own and I was waiting to see if Alexia Putellas was starting. She was, so I thought it would be all Spain attack and took up my position behind the goal they’d be heading to...then it’s 3-0 to Japan at half-time and I’m sat at the other end, head in hands! Japan ran riot that game and all I can remember is sitting at the wrong end!” One interesting side note is the concept of taking photos she cannot actually see at the time – with England’s semi-final goal, scored by Lauren Hemp, providing a spectacular and unusual viewing angle. “We have a net cam and before the match we attach it to the goal. I’m firing the camera from a remote in my seat; it doesn’t work all the time as if the net gets hit it can swing or point the wrong way but it’s a great angle and only a few agencies do this, so it’s more of an exclusive image. “We don’t have a view of it in-game – I just have to hope it’s still in the place I left it! We set it up and then it either happens or it doesn’t.” As noted, Ivill remains in place long after the final whistle, long after fans have departed. Or most of them, anyway: the Japanese supporters have become much-admired for lingering later and tidying stadiums behind themselves and others. “They’re so well-known for cleaning up after matches. The players make origami figures and write thank you on the board in the changing rooms; the fans here have continued their tradition of going around after the game. “It doesn’t finish for me when the whistle blows and this shows that. I don’t finish until ages after everyone else has left the stadium.” The go-to, the standard, the expectations of match photos are the action shots: the goals, the saves, the moments people remember. But being in place for such a shot is more than luck and finger-on-the-trigger reflexes. There’s plenty of planning which goes into such an event, Ivill explains, whether from ensuring a team of three are focused on different groups or individuals in a penalty shoot-out, or to making sure potential occurrences are on their radar – such as Marta’s exit from her final World Cup appearance for Brazil. Meanwhile, there are in-the-moment issues and challenges to deal with, particularly around VAR in the modern game. Referees traipsing across the pitch to watch a monitor perhaps 40 yards away from the incident and the group of players can make a photo with context a “difficult” image to capture, with the digital screens a further complication as the LEDs are tricky to focus. Ultimately, though, everyone is at the football for one thing: winning. The celebrations which ensue – whether in the stands, in gatherings outside or right in the midst of the players themselves, are the ones which can linger longest in the memory. Naturally, the emotions which can explode at that point are in large part down to the circumstances of the match: the “unusual” moment of Sweden’s goalline technology-confirmed penalty shootout triumph over USA led to an incredibly up-close and intimate moment, where jubilation in the extreme was clear to see. Of course, Sweden’s adventure ended with a bronze medal as England reached the final with victory over the hosts. But the final chapter of this story saw Spain grasp their moment in the final. A moment which wasn’t the dream scenario for Ivill. one more chapter in this story to come, one more photo in particular to capture. And it’s fair to leave the final word on that to the person who’ll be taking it – and how pertinent that as football continues to catch up, a woman at the top of her profession will deservedly be in place to immortalise those who are celebrating. “I know I’m on the pitch and I’ll be bench-side for the final, so for the trophy lift, the longest-lasting photo, we’ll stand next to each other and have different lenses to capture different images,” she said before Sunday’s final. “My perfect one will be the Lionesses picking it up. That’s the picture for me.” Sometimes, the fairytale ending isn’t fulfilled. Read More Women’s World Cup 2023 LIVE: England head home after final heartbreak Women’s World Cup prize money: How much do the winners get? Lionesses receive surprise reception as they start journey back to England Mary Earps’ Golden Glove award isn’t enough to convince Nike to sell her shirt The two sides of the Women’s World Cup — and the truth about where power still lies England’s impact will last far longer than pain of World Cup final defeat

England heartbreakingly lost 1-0 to Spain in their first Women’s World Cup final as Olga Carmona’s first-half goal proved enough to break the Lionesses’s hearts. Sarina Wiegman and her players were looking to bring the game’s biggest prize home from Sydney but Carmona drilled a finish into the far corner on 29 minutes and, although Mary Earps brilliantly saved Jennifer Hermoso’s penalty with 20 minutes remaining, England couldn’t fashion an equaliser. It was the first time the England men’s or women’s team have reached a football World Cup final since 1966 and the nation came to a halt for the historic occasion – which was briefly interrupted by an anti-Putin protester invading the pitch in the first half – but were left bereft as Spain saw out the victory. Lauren Hemp came closest to scoring for the Lionesses when her curling effort struck the bar in the 16th minute but Spain were good value for the win as they became just the fifth nation to lift the Women’s World Cup, following in the footsteps of USA (4), Germany (2), Norway (1) and Japan (1). Follow the latest updates as the Lionesses fly home: Read More The two sides of the Women’s World Cup — and the truth about where power still lies England’s impact will last far longer than pain of World Cup final defeat How not to win a World Cup: Spain, Jorge Vilda and the story of a complicated victory

This is the moment Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales kisses player Jenni Hermoso on the lips after their world cup win over England. After she is given her medal by Fifa President Gianni Infantino, Mr Rubiales can be seen giving Hermoso a hug and lifting her off her feet. A brief conversation follows before Mr Rubiales grabs Hermoso around her back and kisses her on the lips. Outrage quickly spread on social media, with football supporters accusing Mr Rubiales of inappropriate behaviour.

Rishi Sunak would have “loved to” have watched the Lionesses in the Word Cup final but has “a huge amount of work to do”, a minister has said. Claire Couthinho claimed the prime minister would also not have flown to the World Cup final if the men’s team were playing because he is “so busy”. Asked whether the PM would have made the trip to Sydney, Australia if Gareth Southgate’s team were in the final two, the children’s minister said she did “not think he would have”. “But I do know how proud he is of the Lionesses like we all are, it’s such a tremendous achievement, it was absolutely just brilliant to see,” she told Sky News. Defending Mr Sunak over claims he was paying lip service to the women’s game by not attending, Ms Couthinho said: “The foreign secretary was there and the culture secretary was also there. “This government was represented. And I know that the prime minister would have loved to have been there but he’s also got a huge amount of work to do. “And I think the travel time is probably difficult. But I know how proud he is of the Lionesses. “We all are. It’s an amazing achievement to get to a World Cup final. It’s absolutely extraordinary.” It came as World Cup legend Sir Geoff Hurst said a member of the royal family “should definitely” have attended the final. Asked if a member of the royal family not attending was a mistake, he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “Yes, I do. I think if the royals attend the men’s game, they should definitely. “It’s an English team, a World Cup tournament, a member of the royal family should definitely have gone. “No argument at all about that.” Mr Sunak and the Prince of Wales faced a significant backlash over their decision not to attend the World Cup final in Australia, when England lost 1-0 to Spain. Critics argued the pay would travel to the game if the men’s team reached a World Cup final. Ms Coutinho went on to tell LBC that Mr Sunak is a “huge football fan” and a “big” fan of Southampton. “And he’s got two daughters. And he’s been so excited about the Lionesses,” she said. Asked which football team the PM supports, Ms Coutinho said: “The Southampton team. Is that the Saints? Yeah, he is a big Saints fan.” William and the Princess of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis watched the game together at their Anmer Hall country home in Sandringham, Norfolk. Read More Lionesses have ‘inspired millions’ despite falling short in first World Cup final Lionesses thanked for ‘inspiring millions’ as World Cup final set to give £185m boost to UK economy William and King tell Lionesses of nation’s pride despite World Cup final loss William and PM face running backlash over absence from World Cup final Prince William shares message after criticism for missing women’s World Cup Final ‘Disappointing’: Prince William blasted by Lionesses fans for missing Women’s World Cup final in Australia

England’s World Cup finalists received a warm welcome as they started their long journey back to the United Kingdom on Monday morning. The Lionesses, who reached the final of the Women’s World Cup, were agonisingly beaten by Spain 1-0 on Sunday. It was the first time any England team had reached the World Cup final in 57 years, but it was not to be and Olga Carmona’s goal secured a first trophy for Spain’s women’s team. Starting their journey home, the Lionesses were applauded through Sydney Airport by passengers in a heartwarming moment. https://twitter.com/Shaimaakhalil/status/1693467798708924701?s=20 https://twitter.com/TomJGarry/status/1693481744777822257?s=20 They walked through in their light blue England tracksuits as members of the public clapped them onto their plane, a fitting tribute to the team who had overcome adversity to reach the final. https://twitter.com/SuzyWrack/status/1693461973445288025?s=20 While it remains to be seen if there will be any events once the team arrive back to celebrate their achievement, it might have to wait until the heartbreak of the defeat has subsided. Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader has already led the calls for the Lionesses to be given honours after their journey to the final. It would be a worthy recognition of Sarina Wiegman’s side’s achievement, after just four members of the Euro 2022-winning squad were named in the New Year Honours list, with the rest of the team overlooked. Read More Mary Earps’ Golden Glove award isn’t enough to convince Nike to sell her shirt England’s impact will last far longer than pain of World Cup final defeat The thrills, shocks and many brilliant moments of the World Cup in pictures