England's Lionesses have always had great goalscorers. Even before the team was the major contender it is now, winning back-to-back European Championships under Sarina Wiegman and reaching a first Women's World Cup final, they could boast some incredible attacking talent, with Arsenal icon Kelly Smith, widely considered the Lionesses' greatest ever player, a prime example.
England women's national team has enjoyed a lot of success in recent years, winning the European Championships in 2022 and 2025 while also reaching the 2023 Women's World Cup final, and those involved in those successes in Sarina Wiegman's side are now starting to creep into the record books when it comes to caps, as well as trophies.
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.
Eni Aluko has renewed her public criticism of the choice of male pundits in women's football, aiming a dig towards Ian Wright and Nedum Onuoha for their TV roles covering the Lionesses' Euro 2025 final at ITV and the BBC, respectively. This is not the first time that Aluko has called out a perceived lack of opportunities for female pundits, criticising Wright in the past for his prominent place within the women's game before issuing a public apology for her words.
Arsenal have completed their first signing of the January transfer window as Renee Slegers' side bid to get back on track in the Women's Super League. The Gunners are eight points behind Manchester City ahead of the league's resumption this weekend and have added depth in defence as they aim to close that gap, signing a highly-rated Sweden international who suffered heartbreak at the hands of England's Lionesses at the 2025 European Championship.
New Year's Eve is almost upon us, meaning 2025 is about to be consigned to the past - but how will it be remembered by the football world? It was certainly an unforgettable year for some players, coaches and clubs. Paris Saint-Germain, for example, finally got their hands on the trophy they craved above all others, the Champions League, thus vindicating a sensible change in recruitment strategy by the club's owners, who went from signing superstars to investing millions in youth.
Merseyside team Liverpool hold the record for most League cup titles in history with 10 title wins to their name. Their most recent came in 2024 as they defeated Chelsea in the final.
How many teams are in the League Cup?
The English Football League Cup, better known as the EFL Cup, Carabao Cup, or simply League Cup, features 92 teams in total. The competition consists of seven rounds to determine the winner. The first-ever edition of the EFL Cup took place in the 1960-61 season.
Who has made the most League Cup appearances ever?
Former Welsh international and Liverpool legend Ian Rush holds the record for most appearances in the league cup. Rush featured in 80 League Cup games playing for three different English clubs.
Who is the all-time top scorer of the League Cup?
Ian Rush holds the record for most goals in the League Cup. Rush has scored a total of 49 goals in 80 appearances in the competition.
Who is the oldest player ever in the League Cup and how old was he?
Kevin Poole is the oldest player to feature in the League Cup. He achieved this feat while playing for Burton Albion at the age of 46 years and 21 days in 2009.
Who is the youngest player ever in the League Cup and how old was he?
Harvey Elliott is the youngest player to have featured in the League Cup at the age of 15 years and 174 days, achieving the feat while playing for Fulham in 2018.
Which famous players have played in the League Cup?
The League Cup has witnessed many legendary players over the years. The list includes the likes of Eden Hazard, Steven gerrard, Alan Shearer, Ian Rush, Wayne Rooney, Sergio Aguero, John Terry, Theirry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Jamie Vardy, among many more.
Which famous managers have managed in the League Cup?
Some of the most notable managers to have featured in the League Cup are Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho, Claudio Ranieri, Jurgen Klopp, Antonio Conte, etc.