
What do England need to qualify for Women’s World Cup last-16?
England will qualify for the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup as long as they avoid defeat to China in the finale of Group D. The Lionesses have opened their World Cup campaign with back-to-back wins over Haiti and Denmark to take control of their fate. But China’s late win against Haiti last time out means there is still work for Sarina Wiegman’s side to do - with either Australia or Nigeria waiting in the last-16. England have only lost once under Wiegman but will be without key midfielder Keira Walsh for their final group fixture. Here’s everything you need to know. How does each team qualify? England - Will qualify with a win or draw against China, which would also confirm top spot in Group D and a last-16 tie against Nigeria. - England can still qualify with a defeat against China, but they require Denmark to lose or draw. If England lose and Denmark fail to win, the Lionesses will finish second if China overtake them on goal difference. - If England lose and Denmark win, the Lionesses would need to finish with a better goal difference than one of China or Denmark. England therefore cannot lose by more than one goal. Denmark - Denmark will go through if they win and China draw or lose. - If Denmark and China finish with the same result, it will go down to goal difference and then goals scored in their final group match. They currently have identical goal records after losing a match 1-0 and winning a match 1-0. Denmark will also go through ahead of England if the Lionesses lose to China by more than one goal. China - China will go through if they win and Denmark draw or lose. - If China match Denmark’s result of a win and a draw then it comes down to goal difference. Haiti - Haiti must beat Denmark and hope China lose to England. It would then come down to goal difference, with three teams (Haiti, Denmark and China) all level on three points. Therefore, if Haiti win by more than one goal and China lose, they are guaranteed to go through. Group D standings 1. England - 6 points (+2 goal difference) 2. Denmark - 3 points (+0) 3. China - 3 points (+0) 4. Haiti - 0 points (-2) Results and fixtures England 1-0 Haiti Denmark 1-0 China England 1-0 Denmark Haiti 0-1 China England vs China (12pm BST) Denmark vs Haiti (12pm BST) When is England vs China? The match will kick off at 12pm BST on Tuesday 1 August at the Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide. How can I watch it? England’s match against China will be shown on ITV 1 and on ITV X, with coverage starting at 11:15am. Read More Women’s World Cup group permutations: How can each team qualify? Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today England can cope without Keira Walsh – here is how Sarina Wiegman can adjust England vs China: Kick-off time and how to watch on TV Kelly Smith: England can cope without Keira Walsh — here is how Lionesses can adjust England provide Keira Walsh injury update in Women’s World Cup boost
1970-01-01 08:00

How to watch England vs China: TV channel and start time for Women’s World Cup fixture
England will qualify for the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup as long as they avoid defeat to China in the finale of Group D. The Lionesses have opened their World Cup campaign with back-to-back wins over Haiti and Denmark to take control of their fate. But China’s late win against Haiti last time out means there is still work for Sarina Wiegman’s side to do - with either Australia or Nigeria waiting in the last-16. England have only lost once under Wiegman but will be without key midfielder Keira Walsh for their final group fixture. Here’s everything you need to know. When is England vs China? The match will kick off at 12pm BST on Tuesday 1 August at the Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide. How can I watch it? England’s match against China will be shown on ITV 1 and on ITV X, with coverage starting at 11:15am. What is the team news? England midfielder Keira Walsh has been ruled out of the match against China, but could play later in the World Cup after the Lionesses confirmed she had not suffered an ACL injury. England have a fully fit squad elsewhere. Sarina Wiegman made two changes for the win against Haiti, with Lauren James and Rachel Daly set to keep their places. Laura Coombs replaced Walsh when she was stretchered off against Denmark and could start, with Georgia Stanway moving back to the holding role. Predicted line-up England: Mary Earps; Lucy Bronze, Millie Bright, Alex Greenwood, Rachel Daly; Laura Coombs, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone; Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo, Lauren James Read More Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today England can cope without Keira Walsh – here is how Sarina Wiegman can adjust Australia thrash Canada to save Women’s World Cup dream from the jaws of a nightmare Kelly Smith: England can cope without Keira Walsh — here is how Lionesses can adjust England provide Keira Walsh injury update in Women’s World Cup boost How ‘magic’ Lauren James can lead the new Lionesses at the Women’s World Cup
1970-01-01 08:00

Women’s World Cup group permutations: How can each team qualify?
It’s crunch time at the Women’s World Cup with the final round of fixtures in the group stages set to decide who will advance to the knockouts. It has been a tournament of shocks and surprises so far, with Nigeria stunning Australia and Colombia’s last-gasp win over Germany standing out as the biggest results of the World Cup. There are set to be more twists and turns as the final matches of the group stages are played out - with the top two teams in each group advancing to the last-16. With everything to play for across several groups, here’s what each team needs to reach the knockout stages, starting with Group B. Group E standings 1. USA - 4 points (+3 goal difference) 2. Netherlands - 4 points (+1) 3. Portugal - 3 points (+1) 4. Vietnam (E) - 0 points (-5) Results and fixtures USA 3-0 Vietnam Netherlands 1-0 Portugal USA 1-1 Netherlands Portugal 2-0 Vietnam Vietnam vs Netherlands (8am BST) Portugal vs USA (8am BST) How does each team qualify? United States - The USA will qualify for the last-16 as long as they do not lose to Portugal. They will finish top of Group E if Netherlands draw or lose, or if they win by a greater margin than the Dutch. Netherlands - The Netherlands will qualify with a win or draw against Vietnam. The Netherlands could still qualify with a defeat, as long as they had a better goal difference than the USA. Portugal - Portugal will reach the last-16 if they beat the USA but will be out if they lose. If Portugal draw, they would require the Netherlands to lose Vietnam by at least two goals. Vietnam - Cannot qualify for the knockout stages. Group D standings 1. England - 6 points (+2 goal difference) 2. Denmark - 3 points (+0) 3. China - 3 points (+0) 4. Haiti - 0 points (-2) Results and fixtures England 1-0 Haiti Denmark 1-0 China England 1-0 Denmark Haiti 0-1 China England vs China (12pm BST) Denmark vs Haiti (12pm BST) How does each team qualify? England - Will qualify with a win or draw against China, which would also confirm top spot in Group D and a last-16 tie against Nigeria. - England can still qualify with a defeat against China, but they require Denmark to lose or draw. If England lose and Denmark fail to win, the Lionesses will finish second if China overtake them on goal difference. - If England lose and Denmark win, the Lionesses would need to finish with a better goal difference than one of China or Denmark. England therefore cannot lose by more than one goal. Denmark - Denmark will go through if they win and China draw or lose. - If Denmark and China finish with the same result, it will go down to goal difference and then goals scored in their final group match. They currently have identical goal records after losing a match 1-0 and winning a match 1-0. Denmark will also go through ahead of England if the Lionesses lose to China by more than one goal. China - China will go through if they win and Denmark draw or lose. - If China match Denmark’s result of a win and a draw then it comes down to goal difference. Haiti - Haiti must beat Denmark and hope China lose to England. It would then come down to goal difference, with three teams (Haiti, Denmark and China) all level on three points. Therefore, if Haiti win by more than one goal and China lose, they are guaranteed to go through. Group A standings 1. Switzerland (Q) - 5 points (+2 goal difference) 2. Norway (Q) - 4 points (+5) 3. New Zealand (E) - 4 points (+0) 4. Philippines (E) - 3 points (-7) Results New Zealand 1-0 Norway Switzerland 2-0 Philippines New Zealand 0-1 Philippines Norway 0-0 Switzerland Norway 6-0 Philippines New Zealand 0-0 Switzerland Group B standings 1. Australia (Q) - 6 points (+4 goal difference) 2. Nigeria (Q) - 5 points (+1) 3. Canada (E) - 4 points (-3) 4. Ireland (E) - 1 point (-2) Results Australia 1-0 Ireland Canada 0-0 Nigeria Australia 2-3 Nigeria Ireland 1-2 Canada Australia 4-0 Canada Nigeria 0-0 Ireland Group C standings 1. Japan (Q) - 9 points (+11 goal difference) 2. Spain (Q) - 6 points (+4) 3. Zambia (E) - 3 points (-8) 4. Costa Rica - 0 points (-7) Results Spain 3-0 Costa Rica Zambia 0-5 Japan Japan 2-0 Costa Rica Spain 5-0 Zambia Costa Rica 1-3 Zambia Japan 4-0 Spain Read More Women’s World Cup 2023 LIVE: Australia and Nigeria through to last-16 as Canada crash out Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today Australia thrash Canada to save Women’s World Cup dream from the jaws of a nightmare England vs China: Kick-off time and how to watch on TV Australia thrash Canada to save Women’s World Cup dream from the jaws of a nightmare Kelly Smith: England can cope without Keira Walsh — here is how Lionesses can adjust
1970-01-01 08:00

Referees must no longer turn blind eye to ‘unacceptable behaviour’ – Howard Webb
Referees’ chief Howard Webb says standards of behaviour in the English game have been “allowed to decline” over a period of many years and insists it is vital a new code of conduct is followed by everyone to address it. Officials are being empowered to issue cards when confronted by two or more players in the season ahead, while players and coaches who seriously or repeatedly abuse referees could face increased financial penalties from the Football Association. Webb, the chief refereeing officer at Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), says there has been a worldwide decline in referees entering the game, and that a collective effort from everyone involved in football to address poor behaviour is essential to tackling it. “I think over a period of time we’ve seen a decline in some behaviours, both on the field of play and in the technical areas. It’s not exclusive to the English game, we’ve seen it around the world,” he said in an interview broadcast on PGMOL’s YouTube page. “This has had knock-on effects. We’ve seen copycat behaviour at grassroots levels, and that’s resulted in people either quitting as referees or not choosing to take up the whistle. “I think for too long we as match officials have not done well enough in dealing with behaviours that have been unacceptable. We have too often confused unacceptable behaviour as passion. We’ve turned a blind eye or a deaf ear. “We’re trying to change behaviours that are exhibited in our sport that have been allowed to decline over the years, for many years, that have now seen a situation where we have a lot of referees who are facing really difficult experiences at grassroots level. We have too often confused unacceptable behaviour as passion. We’ve turned a blind eye or a deaf ear Howard Webb “Numbers are generally around the world declining and I think enough is enough. This is our chance to leave a legacy of improved behaviour. “We’re being tasked as match officials to deliver change on the field of play by being resilient and robust and consistent with the way that we deal with unacceptable behaviour. “We’re ready to do that for the good of the game but it’s absolutely important that all stakeholders in the game stand behind our officials and ensure that they feel empowered and supported when they’re dealing with these behaviours.” The English football authorities have endorsed a series of measures designed to combat bad behaviour on and off the pitch, including a ‘Participants’ Charter’ for players and coaches, plus tougher sanctions on off-field issues such as football tragedy abuse. While at grassroots level teams can now face points deductions where their players or staff are found to have seriously or repeatedly abused officials, there are no indications that the professional game will follow suit. That is despite a number of serious incidents at top-flight level in the last year alone, with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp twice sanctioned for abusing officials and Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic given an eight-game ban for pushing referee Chris Kavanagh. Webb says all players and managers must be aware of the impact on their actions, especially on young people. “So many young people’s eyes are on that field of play. They take their lead from what players do.” Webb added. “These are role models whose behaviour they want to emulate, they look up to these people. If they see certain types of behaviour then it sets a really poor example for what is deemed acceptable in everyday life as well. “Not wanting to put too much pressure and responsibility on players’ shoulders or officials or coaches who perform in that pressurised environment, but I think that we have to accept that when we get to a certain level we’re all role models. “And we all have to understand that our behaviours do have an impact and therefore those behaviours that are exhibited have to be positive ones.” The PA news agency understands the Professional Footballers’ Association has been involved in the meetings which led to the new charter and has actively helped to shape it.
1970-01-01 08:00

Football to crack down on referee dissent and tragedy chanting
The football authorities have launched a crackdown on dissent this season by saying that at least one player will be booked every time a group crowds around the referee and invades the personal space of officials. And they are also vowing to do more to stop tragedy chanting and abuse relating to disasters by introducing tough new measures that include stadium bans and potential criminal prosecutions for fans who are found guilty. The Premier League, the FA and the Football League have joined together with the Women’s Super League, the Women’s Championship, the National League and PGMOL to introduce a Participant Charter designed to improve the behaviour of both players and fans. Match officials will be given the power to take stronger action with the FA vowing to dish out tougher disciplinary measures. For example, when players surround the referee or his assistants, at least one will be shown a yellow card and the FA could decide on further action. A new technical area code will be introduced, which has been agreed with the PFA and LMA, and could bring bigger fines for repeat offenders. Only two members of a coaching team will be allowed to stand at any one time, with only one near the pitch, in an attempt to reduce the number and size of confrontations. There is a greater attempt to stamp out football tragedy abuse, which the governing bodies united to call “totally unacceptable” with a focus on offensive chanting, gesturing and the displaying of offensive messages that can cause distress to victims and their families. Football authorities will work with the police to track down and punish offenders while ground regulations have been updated to incorporate tragedy chanting. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “Football has the power to unite and inspire all that play and watch the game. However, sometimes that can be negatively impacted by a small minority of players, coaching and fans. Our collective approach is to reset this behaviour on the pitch and from the sidelines while giving our referees the respect and protection they deserve.” An education scheme, under the ‘Love Football Protect the Game’ banner, will be launched to inform about the hurt that tragedy chanting can cause. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: “We strongly believe there is no room for abhorrent tragedy abuse in football.” Douglas Mackay, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor and Sports National Lead Prosecutor, added: “We are sending a clear message that we demand so-called fans stop this vile behaviour of a minority which has a terrible impact on the bereaved and communities. If they do not then they face the risk of being excluded from the game they claim to love.” A Tottenham fan was given a three-year banning order in June for mocking the Hillsborough tragedy while a Manchester United supporter who wore an offensive shirt about the 1989 disaster at the FA Cup final got a four-year ban. In April a man who sent hateful tweets about the Hillsborough tragedy, which led to the loss of 97 lives, was given a suspended prison sentence. Read More Abuse on football terraces is rampant. Why hasn’t it been stamped out? Man who wore offensive Hillsborough shirt to FA Cup final banned from games Premier League clubs agree measures to tackle rise in tragedy-related chanting World Cup: Wiegman willing to ‘make changes’ as Lionesses prepare for Denmark clash Fifa shuts down reporter referencing misconduct allegations against Zambia coach Declan Rice ‘has to be leader’ at title-chasing Arsenal, says Wayne Rooney
1970-01-01 08:00

England’s Niamh Charles has new level of respect for ‘machine’ Sam Kerr
England defender Niamh Charles has reached a new level of respect for Chelsea team-mate Sam Kerr since she landed in the Australian captain’s home country for the World Cup. The Lionesses could face co-hosts Australia in the last 16 if they finish second in Group D following their clash with China on Tuesday, after the Matildas advanced as Group B’s top side with a thumping 4-0 victory over Canada on Monday. Kerr, who sat out Australia’s first two matches with a calf injury, declared she would be available for the must-win victory but did not feature against the Olympic champions, instead watching on as her team-mates kept the dream alive for the striker’s comeback to come during the knockouts. Charles said: “She means a lot to us back home but it’s so nice to come here. We were so excited for her in the build-up to the tournament that she’s in England all the time, she goes home for a fraction of time. “I was really excited leading up for her to get an opportunity to be here and everyone to come to her for once rather than her having to go – so yeah it’s really nice to see, especially in general for the Matildas. “Obviously it was gutting for her (getting injured) but yeah, I think being here and watching her being so excited in playing in front of her home country is really special.” The Lionesses, who have now been in Australia for nearly a month, travelled from New South Wales to South Australia on Monday ahead of Tuesday’s encounter with China in Adelaide, where England need just a point to clinch top spot in Group D and set up a meeting with Nigeria in Brisbane. Charles grew up on the Wirral, about 227 miles and just over a four-hour drive from the Blues’ HQ at Stamford Bridge, while Kerr’s hometown of Fremantle, Western Australia, is a nearly 9000-mile journey that takes up the best part of an entire day. When England embark on their inaugural UEFA Nations League campaign after the World Cup, the maximum time change will be one hour when they travel to Group A1 opponents Belgium and the Netherlands, with Scotland rounding out the group. And while the Lionesses have benefitted from hosting the four-nation Arnold Clark Cup in the February/March international break for the last two years, Kerr hopped on another plane Down Under for the Cup of Nations before returning to club duty with Chelsea earlier this year. If all that travel and personal sacrifice ever fazes the four-time Ballon d’Or nominee and FIFA 23 cover star, Charles certainly has not noticed. “She does it all the time – she just gets on with it,” Charles said. “I had admiration for her anyway as she’s a machine, but some of the Swedes did it at one point in the season and they were like ‘I don’t know how she does it all the time’. “For sure, you do not hear a moan out of her at all. She just gets on with it and the level of consistency she maintains despite that is very impressive.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Ben Stokes drops Steve Smith as Australia edge towards target in Ashes finale Heather Knight not thinking about next Ashes showdown as focus turns to Hundred Manchester United signing a ‘very good player’ in Rasmus Hojlund
1970-01-01 08:00

England can cope without Keira Walsh — here is how Sarina Wiegman can adjust
When Keira Walsh got injured, there was a collective groan of sympathy for a world-class player missing the rest of the tournament, but also for the rest of England’s squad. They must now deal with the loss of Walsh, the deep-lying playmaker who knits the team’s approach play together and so brilliantly patrols the space in front of the back four. Walsh is probably Sarina Wiegman’s most important player, certainly in the absence of Leah Williamson and Beth Mead, and England have now lost all three of the players who led them to European Championship glory. I have a lot of empathy for this team. In 2002, Faye White, Katie Chapman and I were all out. White had an ACL injury and my leg was broken. Chapman was pregnant. At the time, we were all integral players for England and were trying to qualify for the World Cup. In the group stages, we finished second to Germany in the group which meant we went into a play-off system. We beat Iceland over two legs and then had to play France to see who would clinch the final spot for the World Cup. We lost both games. I remember thinking that the three of us being out was a driving factor to not qualifying for the 2003 World Cup. It was devastating to watch France progress through the tournament and England not having any involvement. You could see the impact once Walsh went off on the game. England’s left, Lauren James and Rachel Daly, had been surging into the Danish half, pinning them back and generating chances and field tilt; that stopped. Arsenal’s excellent young midfielder Kathrine Møller Kühl had been tasked with stopping Walsh; now she was free to drop off, help Denmark build through the thirds and join in some attacks. Georgia Stanway moved back into the Walsh role, with Laura Coombs coming on as an 8; this meant England generally sat deeper, pressing less high without the security Walsh offers and losing Stanway’s bite higher up the pitch for dangerous turnovers. England have to solve several problems, but the first is probably mental. There are a lot of strong characters and experienced, quality players in that dressing room, but England’s spine in the Euros was Mary Earps, Williamson, Walsh, Fran Kirby and Mead – only Earps is still there. The downside of having world-class players and being able to pick them consistently, as Sarina has done, is that when you lose one or two in a department in short order, the change can be pretty tricky to manage. England need leaders and the pressure on Earps, Millie Bright and Stanway is now greater than ever. The next issue is tactical. Walsh’s most natural replacement, Lucy Staniforth, was only on the standby list and has gone home. England could change formation, perhaps bringing in a third centre-back to help the ball progression from deep or drop Stanway into the pivot role with two 8s ahead of her or, more likely, another defensive midfielder to make a double pivot. Coombs did not look out of place, but there is an argument for Jordan Nobbs’ energy and aggression in that area too, not least because if all that is left to Stanway, you miss out on her going forward as well and it would leave England light in terms of players joining attacks from midfield. England’s current approach means they must be able to build the ball through the thirds and circulating the ball quickly and safely around the back, and breaking the lines by going through or over, are both key. Walsh was instrumental to both, although it’s worth saying that Alex Greenwood was moved to centre-back against Denmark because even Walsh can’t do that alone. The pressure on Greenwood is now very intense; much of England’s ability to progress from deep will now be down to her and this is one reason why Sarina could opt to add another defender to the mix and go to a 3-4-3 system. England could also go for a slightly different approach. Great sides, and England are one, are expected to control the ball and hog possession, but tournaments can often favour a more counter-attacking approach. While England are not as brutally quick and athletic as the USA, for example, James, Daly, Lauren Hemp, Beth England and Chloe Kelly are all very dynamic, quick runners. England could focus on solidity in the middle and longer, more direct passing to a rapid front three or four. However Sarina addresses these issues, it is a huge loss to England and the tournament as a whole that Walsh will be missing, for some or all of it. The World Cup is about showcasing the best our sport has to offer and Walsh has joined the already too long list of star players who are absent. We need to get better at understanding the risks of injuries, why they are happening, and managing loads across the women’s game. More investment, especially in sports science and nutrition, at every level of the sport is required. Until that happens, and the injured list diminishes, our flagship events will be poorer for it. Read More Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today As Sarina Wiegman solves one problem – a bigger one presents itself In Keira Walsh, England lose the one player who is impossible to replace Australia thrash Canada to save Women’s World Cup dream from the jaws of a nightmare Women’s World Cup group permutations: How can each team qualify? Nouhaila Benzina: The hijabi-wearing Moroccan making World Cup history
1970-01-01 08:00

London chef apologises after criticism for all-white, all-male kitchen team
A London-based chef has apologised for what his peers branded a “rude” response towards criticism, after he faced backlash online for revealing the line-up of his kitchen team at his Notting Hill restaurant. Thomas Straker, who opened his namesake restaurant Straker’s in 2022, recently shared a photograph of his “chef team” comprising eight people, including himself. All eight members of the team pictured were white and male, prompting complaints from social media users who believed it did not reflect the diversity of London. Some comments claimed Straker’s team showed how the food industry was a “white boy’s club”, while others urged the restaurateur to provide chefs from minority groups a “safe place to grow as chefs”. Straker, who found fame by sharing his recipes and cooking videos on TikTok, responded to the negative backlash by commenting: “Honestly, people need to calm down. Firstly, there is a shortage of chefs/hospitality workers. Secondly, if you feel so passionately, please go and gather CVs of any chefs you think we’re missing in the team. Solutions not problems. Thank you.” However, his response has also been criticised as “rude”, with a number of chefs and other figures in the food industry weighing in on the online storm. He has since shared an apology via his Instagram Story. “On Friday night, I put up a post of my chef team and many rightly pointed out the lack of diversity in it. I am very sorry for my initial response, where some queried whether I take this issue seriously,” he said. “I am absolutely committed to ensuring diversity in my restaurants, unfortunately we aren’t achieving this in my kitchens currently and this is an area I know I need to improve on, making sure it is seen as a welcoming and approachable environment for all. Tom x.” Becky Paskin, a drinks expert who appears regularly on ITV’S Love Your Weekend, wrote on Straker’s original post: “Too often we say, ‘We only recruit on the basis of the best people for the job’ without any consideration the role bias plays in the selection process. “It’s been proven time and again that diverse teams are more creative, productive and successful. If every member looks the same and has the same background, you’ll find they’ll all think the same as well. Forming diverse teams is not only the right thing to do, it makes business sense too.” US chef Kenji Lopez-Alt, who is known for his book The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science, added: “Get off the social media for a week or so. Do some reflection. Talk to people who care about you and who you trust. Be better.” However, some people have defended Straker’s choice to hire who he wants in his team, and pointed out the staff shortage affecting the entire restaurant industry. Henry Tilley, restaurant manager at Native in London, wrote: “The industry is on its knees right now. There [aren’t] enough chefs or even [front-of-house staff] to go around as it is. We would love some applications for chef positions in our restaurants from female or non-binary individuals. The reality of the matter is we never get the applications so can’t be as representative as we’d like.” But Ben Mulock, executive chef of Balans in Soho, says the onus is on senior chefs to “solve the problem” of lack of diversity, instead of “asking others to solve it for us”. He told The Independent: “I am a white male executive chef, so it is my responsibility to push for an inclusive workforce, be that sex, age or ethnicity. They are not mutually exclusive – they are all important. “No, it’s not easy and at the moment, it almost seems impossible to recruit, but if we don’t try, we don’t move it forward. We always need to do better for this industry, and if we can’t do it in London, where can we?” While Straker’s post was not intended to stir controversy, the lack of diversity in his team has “shone a light on the broader challenges we face in kitchens these days”, Hannah Norris of Nourish PR said. “This is a classic case of an ill thought-out post,” she told The Independent. “Thomas Straker has issued what he believed was a photo of a group of confident, strong-looking chefs ready for service but didn’t think about the optics of the image and what it represented. “Whilst it was well-meaning I believe, a picture doesn’t lie. For whatever reason, he currently has no women or people of colour in his kitchen, so it all looks a bit ‘pale, male and stale’. Perhaps the reaction to this image will make Thomas think again a bit more carefully about who he wants to employ in the future.” The Independent has contacted Straker for comment. Read More The dish that defines me: Frank Yeung’s prawn wontons Between Brexit and Covid, London’s food scene has become a dog’s dinner – can it be saved? Prince William serves up vegetarian ‘Earthshot burgers’ to shocked diners Restaurant introduces ‘minimum spend’ that sees solo diners pay double to eat alone Restaurant with ‘tips are a privilege’ policy sparks intense backlash on social media How to make the Prince of Wales’s Earthshot burger
1970-01-01 08:00

Australia thrash Canada to save Women’s World Cup dream from the jaws of a nightmare
Sam Kerr remained on the bench but thankfully for Australia, they did not need her. In a must-win match, the co-hosts did much more to keep their World Cup alive: thrashing the Olympic champions Canada to reach the knockout stages and restoring belief that looked to have been lost in the shock defeat to Nigeria. With it, Group B was flipped on its head: Ireland’s draw with Nigeria means Australia advance as group winners, avoiding a potential clash with England in the last-16. Kerr could yet return for that, but Australia finally found a way to play without their star striker and captain. It came at the perfect time with the Matildas facing elimination and a World Cup dream that was instead turning into a nightmare. Kerr was back on the bench after missing Australia’s opening two games with a calf injury, but against Canada they were instead lifted by another returning star in Mary Fowler. Ruled out of the defeat to Nigeria, a result that left Australia on the brink, Fowler returned to spark Australia’s attack into life, saving a World Cup that threatened to be over long before it was meant to. The Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson changed his shape and landed on a 4-4-2 that devastated Canada on the counter-attack, with Hayley Raso scoring a decisive brace from the right and Caitlin Foord enjoying her best performance of the tournament on the left. By the end, Australia’s position was so secure that there was no need to rush Kerr back. In her absence, Fowler has emerged as Australia’s next great hope. Badly missed against Nigeria after she was ruled out with concussion, Fowler gave Australia ideas and another option, a willing runner and clever dribbler to pull Canada out of their defensive shape. With Fowler setting Australia’s press alongside Emily van Egmond, her return meant Foord could return to the left wing, creating space for Steph Catley and restoring their key combination. It gave Australia familiarity and, even without Kerr, they had the attacking options to overwhelm Canada down the channels. Catley’s cross set up Raso’s opener inside 10 minutes, with the forward taking a touch before firing a low shot through the legs of Canada defender Ashely Lawrence. Australia were denied a second after a farcical offside, but Canada failed to take the warning with Raso scrambling in her second from a corner. Fowler’s tap-in, finished after Foord was released down the left in the second half, was then added to by Steph Catley’s late penalty. Relief had long since turned into joy, with Australia celebrating their biggest ever World Cup win, but this was meant to be nervy and a potentially disastrous night. Canada represented the worst possible opponents for a must-win decider, a side built for knockout football. In winning the Olympic gold medal, they were the team who simply refused to lose, absorbing pressure in their low-block and edging victories in games where they were second-best in possession and chances. They had cracked the code, always managing to find the breakthrough goal they needed to win close games. But at the World Cup that side did not turn up, and they became the first Olympic champions to exit at the group stage. Perhaps Chrstine Sinclair’s penalty miss in the opening stalemate with Nigeria was the moment that foreshadowed a doomed campaign - what would have been a historic goal for Sinclair, and a record sixth World Cup in which she had scored, turned into a missed opportunity. Throughout their three games, Canada only showed up in the second half against Ireland, where for 45 minutes they were able to solve some of their problems. Defensively, Canada never found a shape or structure that suited them. Kadeisha Buchanan, hooked at half time against Ireland, was overwhelmed again, struggling alongside Vanessa Gilles. Lawrence, another experienced member of their side, was often found out of position, never settling left or right. Behind them, goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan was far from the reassuring presence in goal that Canada desperately required. Bev Priestman’s four changes at half time was an alarming indication of how far Canada’s levels had fallen. It did not rescue them. Instead, Canada fell to their heaviest defeat under Priestman, a team in disarray. Australia now look the opposite: they are likely to face either Denmark or China in the last-16 and even without Kerr, this is a side who will be confident of progressing. Kerr could yet return and her World Cup is not yet over - more importantly, neither is Australia’s. Read More Kelly Smith: England can cope without Keira Walsh — here is how Lionesses can adjust Women’s World Cup group permutations: How can each team qualify? Nouhaila Benzina: The hijabi-wearing Moroccan making World Cup history
1970-01-01 08:00

How to make the Prince of Wales’s Earthshot burger
The Prince of Wales has teamed up with popular YouTube channel, Sorted Food, to create the first Earthshot Burger. The veggie burger was created with Earthshot Prize-winning products, and a video posted on YouTube shows William handing out meals from a food van in central London with the Sorted Food chefs. The burger, filled with vegetables, spices, pickles and finished with a minty vegan mayonnaise, was developed by the sustainable packaging start-up Notpla (winner of the Build A Waste-Free World category), environmentally-friendly stove company Mukuru Clean Stoves (winner of the Clean Our Air category), and Kheyti’s Greenhouse-in-a-box, winner of the Protect and Restore Nature category. The collaboration is part of The Earthshot Prize’s new partnership with YouTube, to encourage users to create more content around climate change. Here’s how you can make your own at home… The Earthshot Burger Ingredients: (Serves 4) For the pickle: 1 cucumber, 2mm slices 1 mouli, peeled and cut into 2mm slices 200ml white wine vinegar 75g caster sugar 1tsp chilli flakes 1tbsp coriander seeds ½tbsp fennel seeds 1tsp mild chilli powder 1tbsp ground coriander seed 1tsp garam masala For the burger mix: 6tbsp vegetable oil 2tsp cumin seeds 1tsp mustard seeds, brown 1 red onion, peeled and finely chopped 6 cloves garlic, peeled and minced 40g ginger, finely chopped 2 green chillies, finely sliced 1tsp turmeric 1 red pepper, deseeded and sliced 200g white cabbage, shredded 200g cauliflower, finely chopped 100g green beans, finely sliced 500g white potato, steamed and cooled 30g coriander leaves, chopped For the sauce: 200g vegan mayonnaise 60g coriander 20g mint, leaves only 20g ginger, peeled To serve: 4 burger buns, sliced and toasted Method: For the pickle: 1. Place the sliced cucumber, mouli and one tablespoon salt in a large mixing bowl and mix well. Allow to sit for 30 minutes. 2. Add 400 millilitres water, vinegar, sugar and spices to a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over a high heat. Once simmering, remove the pan from the stove. 3. After 30 minutes, tip the salted cucumber and mouli into a colander and rinse under cold running water then add them to the warm pickle liquid. Stir well and allow to cool. For the burger mix: 4. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds and fry for two minutes until fragrant and starting to pop. 5. Add the onion, garlic, ginger and chillies, along with a pinch of salt and continue to fry, stirring occasionally for five to seven minutes until the onion is starting to colour. 6. Tip in the spices and stir to combine. 7. Tip in the sliced pepper and continue to cook for five minutes until the pepper softens and releases its liquid. 8. Add in the cabbage, cauliflower and green beans, stir everything together and cover the pan with a lid. Allow the vegetables to soften for five minutes. 9. Coarsely mash the potatoes in a bowl and then add them, along with the coriander to the pan. Stir everything together and taste and adjust the seasoning. You are looking for a thick mashed potato texture. 10. Remove the pan from the stove. For the sauce: 11. Add the mayonnaise, herbs, ginger and a generous pinch of salt to the jug of a blender and puree until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning. To serve: 12. Divide the mashed potato and vegetable filling between the toasted buns. Top each with a couple of pinches of pickled vegetables and finish with the herb sauce. Read More ‘Nicely cooked’: Watch moment Prince of Wales serves burgers to surprised diners in London The dish that defines me: Frank Yeung’s prawn wontons Seann Walsh explains reason behind his ‘strange request’ at restaurants
1970-01-01 08:00

Chelsea and Barcelona pursuing player-plus-cash deals for Kylian Mbappe
Chelsea and Barcelona are understood to be the clubs working hardest to pull off a player-plus-cash deal for Paris St Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe. Sources close to PSG have indicated the Blues’ co-owner Todd Boehly is trying to put together a deal for the 24-year-old, who seems certain to leave Paris either for a fee this summer or for nothing next year. Spanish champions Barcelona have also been actively pursuing a player swap deal, the PA news agency understands. The French club are also anticipating a renewed attempt from Saudi club Al Hilal to persuade Mbappe to agree personal terms. He reportedly refused to even meet with an Al Hilal delegation in Paris last week. The Saudis were given permission to speak to Mbappe by PSG after lodging a world record £259million bid earlier this month. PSG fear all efforts to sign Mbappe this summer will be in vain, though. Sources close to the club are convinced he has already agreed a deal to sign for Real Madrid on a free transfer and secure a 160m euro (£138m) signing-on fee. The Saudi league is still understood to be pushing hard to secure Mbappe as its marquee player, having appointed former Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo as the director of football at its Player Acquisition Centre of Excellence (PACE) to lead recruitment centrally for the league’s clubs. Speculation around Mbappe increased in intensity in June when it became clear he would not activate the one-year extension in his PSG deal to keep him under contract until 2025. His exit from the club seemed almost certain when he was omitted from the pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea, which sparked the rush of interest in him, including the world-record bid from Al Hilal.
1970-01-01 08:00

Afghanistan: Taliban burn ‘immoral’ musical instruments
The founder of Afghanistan’s National Institute of Music likened the move to "cultural genocide".
1970-01-01 08:00