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Winners & losers from the Lionesses first camp of 2026

Some England camps pass by without there being much new to learn; the Lionesses' first camp of 2026 was not one of those. As Sarina Wiegman's side returned to competitive action for the first time since their triumphant European Championship campaign, getting off to a perfect start in qualifying for the 2027 Women's World Cup with impressive wins over both Ukraine and Iceland, a whole host of talking points were created.

England v Portugal - UEFA Women's Nations League 2024/25 Grp A3 MD5

England Women in 2026: Fixtures, results & how to watch

A complete guide to England women's year, including how to watch games live and more

Bronze 'mind-blown' by Lionesses milestone

Lucy Bronze continues to cement her legacy as one of the greatest players to ever pull on an England shirt, but the veteran defender remains humble about her remarkable longevity. During the Lionesses' 2-0 victory over Iceland, the 34-year-old earned her 145th international cap, moving her into third place on the all-time appearances list for the women’s national team. It was a vintage performance from the full-back, who contributed both a goal and an assist to secure the win.

Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea FC - Barclays Women's Super League

Famous fan removed from Lionesses win over Iceland

The Lionesses continued their dominant run toward European qualification with a commanding performance at the City Ground, though the evening was not without its bizarre moments off the ball. While Sarina Wiegman’s side dismantled a stubborn Icelandic defence, a strange scene unfolded in the stands. Basil, the well-known and vocal England and Chelsea supporter, was unexpectedly escorted from the stadium by security during the match.

James runs riot as Bronze & Stanway seal Lionesses win

Lauren James stole the show as England beat Iceland 2-0 on Saturday, with Lucy Bronze and Georgia Stanway on the scoresheet as the Lionesses started their 2027 Women's World Cup qualifying campaign with two wins from two. After the 6-1 win over Ukraine on Tuesday, this was another dominant performance from Sarina Wiegman's side, setting up next month's clash with world champions Spain perfectly.

Chelsea FC v Liverpool - Barclays Women's Super League

Chelsea & England star James insists she is 'very misunderstood'

Chelsea star Lauren James has opened up about the public scrutiny regarding her personality and the "lazy" labels often attached to her playing style. James insists that her laid-back nature is a reflection of her introverted character rather than a lack of professional desire.

England v Australia - Women's International Friendly

Wiegman warns Lionesses ahead of Iceland clash

Sarina Wiegman has demanded that England hit their "top level" to overcome Iceland side in Saturday’s World Cup qualifier. Despite a recent clinical display against Ukraine, the Lionesses boss has urged her players to maintain tactical discipline and emotional control at a sold-out City Ground.

Lionesses World Cup squad: Who will make the cut in 2027?

England's qualifying campaign for the 2027 Women's World Cup is officially underway. The Lionesses started it with a 6-1 win over Ukraine on Tuesday and will continue their quest to secure a place in Brazil when hosting Iceland on Saturday. As runners-up in 2023, few would not expect Sarina Wiegman's side to achieve as much, but who the manager will choose to represent the European champions in South America is a little less certain.

How stunning new football shirt tackles homelessness head on

Football charity Street Soccer is proving that the game can still be beautiful, channelling the sport to tackle homelessness head on. They have released their first-ever collaborative jersey, connecting football with art and social impact to raise funds for an important cause.

Lionesses star Stanway will be an elite signing for Arsenal

Arsenal fans tuning into England's 6-1 win over Ukraine on Tuesday will have found a lot to like about the game. Leah Williamson was excellent in possession as she continues to build her way back to full fitness, Lotte Wubben-Moy looked great alongside her in the heart of defence and Alessia Russo was razor-sharp in front of goal, netting twice. But the performance of Georgia Stanway, on the brink of joining that trio in north London, was the cherry on the cake.

Russo, Stanway & Park lead Lionesses in six-goal blitz

Alessia Russo's quick-fire brace kickstarted England's 6-1 win over Ukraine on Tuesday, with Georgia Stanway and Jess Park also netting twice to get the Lionesses off to a strong start in qualifying for the 2027 Women's World Cup. It took Sarina Wiegman's side until the second half to break down a resolute Ukraine defence, but once they did, the result was never in doubt, even if Yana Kalinina grabbed a consolation to temporarily halve the deficit.

Ousmane Dembele Leah Williamson Aitana Bonmati split

Lionesses & Williamson among nominees for 2026 Laureus awards

Lionesses captain Leah Williamson is one of four footballers to be nominated for accolades at the prestigious 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards, with her England team also shortlisted after winning the 2025 European Championships. Lamine Yamal was the only footballer to win an award at last year's ceremony, with Real Madrid also scooping up a team prize, but the chances of more recognition are greater this year, with significantly more nominees from the world of football.

Will '27 World Cup cycle be Wiegman's last Lionesses dance?

Last month, when Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman was asked if there was concern that her contract situation could prove to be a distraction for England ahead of the 2027 Women's World Cup, she was pretty bullish in her answer. "There is no distraction whatsoever," she responded. "Everyone is really focused on this qualification. I haven't heard anyone in my team or staff that has been occupied with that."

Lionesses star Kearns reveals pregnancy with footballer boyfriend

Lionesses midfielder Missy Bo Kearns has revealed that she is pregnant with her first child, due in September. Kearns was not included in Sarina Wiegman's squad for England's upcoming World Cup qualifiers, described as being unavailable for selection, and the reasons for that have now become clear, after the Aston Villa star and her boyfriend, also a professional footballer, announced the news on social media.

Georgia Stanway Bayern Munich Women 2025-26

Arsenal-linked Stanway 'very close' to signing for new club

Lionesses star Georgia Stanway has revealed that she is "very close" to signing for her new club after announcing that she will be leaving Bayern Munich at the end of the season. It has been widely reported that the midfielder is primed to return to England and sign for Arsenal, with the confirmation of as much clearly not far away now.

England v Spain - UEFA Women's EURO 2025 Final

Williamson targeting missing World Cup trophy with Lionesses

England captain Leah Williamson is fiercely determined to lift the 2027 World Cup to complete her collection of all the major trophies available in women's football. The Arsenal defender is incredibly well decorated, yet one trophy alludes her cabinet and she has expressed her desire to fill the gap left by the biggest prize in international football.

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How do the Lionesses get the best out of in-form Park?

As soon as Jess Park received the ball on the edge of the Atletico Madrid box, Marc Skinner knew. She took one touch, then another to get it out of her feet and set herself up for a perfect strike with her right foot, which would send the ball over the heads of every Atleti defender, out of the reach of goalkeeper Lola Gollardo and into the top corner, giving Skinner's Manchester United an unassailable 5-0 lead on aggregate, one that secured their place in the Women's Champions League quarter-finals for the first time.

Poppy Pattinson Sarina Wiegman Maya Jama

Newest Lioness missed Wiegman's call while watching Love Island

Lionesses newcomer Poppy Pattinson has revealed that she was on a flight watching Love Island when Sarina Wiegman phoned to give the defender her first senior England call-up. The London City Lionesses star could make her senior international debut next month, as the reigning European champions prepare for World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Iceland.

Roebuck: England is the reason I'm still playing after stroke

England goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck says that representing the Lionesses is "the reason" she is still playing football after suffering a stroke aged just 24 that left her wondering whether she would ever play again. Part of England's Euro 2022-winning squad, the Aston Villa shot-stopper is back in Sarina Wiegman's squad this month after receiving her first full call-up in over two years.

Six things to watch as Lionesses begin World Cup qualifying

For the first time since triumphing at last summer’s European Championship, the Lionesses are back in competitive action, kickstarting their 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign against Ukraine on Tuesday. Four days later, England will then host Iceland, looking for a perfect start as they battle world champions Spain for the group’s only automatic qualifying spot.

VfL Wolfsburg v Paris Saint-Germain - UEFA Women's Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1

Ex-Lionesses star Earps apologies for 'hurt' caused by autobiography

Lionesses icon Mary Earps has "apologised for the hurt" her controversial autobiography caused last year as she grabbed headlines for comments about England boss Sarina Wiegman and team-mate Hannah Hampton. Earps has since met with Wiegman to talk about the situation and has opened up on what she described as her "first experience of cancel culture".

Williamson warns of strike action over player welfare concerns

Lionesses captain Leah Williamson has warned that she would "never" rule out the potential of strike action in order to get a message across regarding players' concerns over the football schedule. It's been a hot topic in women's and men's football in recent years, one the Arsenal star herself has not shied away from discussing, and she has made her feelings clear about the issue again this week.

Lionesses legend Kelly can still salvage injury-hit season

Coming into the 2025-26 season, few - if any - were carrying the kind of momentum that Chloe Kelly was. She was the Lionesses' hero in the summer, scoring the penalty that delivered the 2025 European Championship title after also enjoying huge moments in the quarter-and-semi-finals to get England into that title-deciding clash with Spain. With a permanent move to Arsenal secured after all that, having helped the Gunners win the Champions League in May while on loan, Kelly felt primed for a huge season.

Wiegman confident 'no update' on her future won't 'distract' Lionesses

Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman is confident that the topic of her future with the team will not be a distraction as England begin their bid to qualify for the 2027 Women's World Cup. Wiegman, who has overseen back-to-back European Championship triumphs with the Lionesses, is under contract until the end of next year's tournament and says there is "no update" on any renewal, but that it is not a situation that she believes is concerning her staff or players right now.

Leah Williamson Sarina Wiegman Ella Toone composite

Key duo ruled out of Lionesses' first World Cup qualifiers

Hannah Hampton, Leah Williamson, Alex Greenwood and Lauren James are all back in the England squad after missing the Lionesses' final camp of 2025 due to injury, dealing Sarina Wiegman's side a real boost as they cope with some new absentees ahead of the start of qualifying for the 2027 Women's World Cup. England are without four members of the Euro 2025-winning squad for the upcoming window, including Ella Toone and Beth Mead.

Toone to miss League Cup final & England's first 2026 camp

Lionesses star Ella Toone is "probably" going to miss Manchester United's League Cup final clash with Chelsea next month, Red Devils boss Marc Skinner has admitted. The England international has not played since December because of a hip issue and it is unlikely that she is going to recover in time for the showpiece event, meaning she is all-but-ruled out of the Lionesses first camp of 2026, too.

Frequently asked questions

: Chelsea were founded on March 10, 1905, following Gus Mears' acquisition of the Stamford Bridge in 1904. Several names were put up for consideration: Kensington FC, Stamford Bridge FC, and London FC. However, all these names were rejected and the name Chelsea F.C. was finally selected.
: Chelsea are co-owned by an American consortium consisting of Todd Boehly, Mark Walter. Hansjorg Wyss, and Behdad Eghbali-led Clearlake Capital. Boehly, Walter, and Wyss each own a 12.8% stake in the club, while Clearlake Capital are the majority shareholder with a 61.5% stake.
: Chelsea's stadium is known as the Stamford Bridge and has been the club's home venue ever since their inception in 1905. Interestingly, the Stamford Bridge was owned by a separate company after businessman Ken Bates bought the club in the 1980s, when they were on the verge of bankruptcy and stuck in the second division. In 1992, however, after a long-fought legal battle and a 'Save The Bridge' campaign from the fans, Chelsea regained ownership of the stadium.
: The Stamford Bridge has a capacity of around 40,000.
: Chelsea have won an impressive 32 trophies throughout their history, including two Champions League titles and six English top-flight titles.
: Chelsea have won the English top flight on six occasions, with their most recent title coming at the end of the 2016-17 season.
: Legendary defender Ron Harris holds the record for making the most appearances for Chelsea, featuring for the club in 795 games, ahead of Peter Bonetti and John Terry. The latter two are the only other players along with Harris to make over 700 appearances for the club.
: Frank Lampard, arguably the greatest Chelsea player ever, is the club's leading goalscorer of all-time, netting the ball into the net 211 times in 648 games. The fact that he was a midfielder makes the feat all the more impressive.
: Didier Drogba, John Terry, Eden Hazard, Claude Makelele, Arjen Robben, Petr Cech, Michael Ballack, and David Luiz are some of the most famous players to have represented Chelsea.
: Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte, Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti, and Maurizio Sarri are among the biggest managerial names to have been a part of Chelsea's eminent history.
: Chelsea are called The Blues, which is a reference to the colour of their kit since the early 20th century.

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