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Women: Williamson “Very Optimistic” For Euro 2025 Semi

Women: Williamson "Very Optimistic" For Euro 2025 Semi

England are “very optimistic” that Leah Williamson will play against Italy in their Euro 2025 semi-final, says fellow defender Esme Morgan.

Captain Williamson went off in extra time of their quarter-final win over Sweden on Thursday – which went to a penalty shootout – after rolling an ankle.

She was seen using crutches and wearing a protective boot, which is believed to have been precautionary.

England manager Sarina Wiegman said in her post-match news conference that Williamson would be assessed before they face Italy on Tuesday at 20:00 BST.

Morgan is one of the most likely replacements for Williamson should she be unavailable.

“She seemed in very high spirits this morning. I want what’s best for the team, and that’s absolutely having our captain on the pitch,” said Morgan.

“It is the same as every single game – be prepared to play if I’m needed, know the role, just be absolutely ready and train at a high level over the next few days. But we’re very optimistic that Leah will be fine.”

Morgan made her tournament debut against Sweden, coming on in the 70th minute to help England bounce back from a 2-0 deficit.

“It was really, really special. Apparently my mum was sobbing when I came on, bless her. It doesn’t take much to set her off watching the football,” said Morgan.

“I think she was crying again when we won, so a lot of tears were shed. It was just really nice to get that opportunity.

“I have been working hard throughout the tournament to stay prepared if I was called on. I felt really ready when that happened to be able to make an impact.

“I was really excited and to be able to turn it around and get the win at the end was such a joyous moment.”

England will play in their seventh women’s Euros semi-final, having progressed from two of the past three, in 2009 and 2022.

They are the first reigning champions to reach a semi-final since Germany 12 years ago.

Wiegman is looking to reach a third successive final, having done so with the Netherlands in 2017 and England in 2022.

Asked about England’s regular success at major tournaments, Morgan said: “When you speak to Lucy Bronze and Alex Greenwood about it, because they’ve been part of many tournaments, it’s amazing speaking to them about the journey and the things that have changed.

“It’s a big source of pride that England have got to the latter stages of this tournament.

“We’ve had three must-win games that we’ve come through now. It’s exciting for the fans back home to get through to these stages of the tournaments.”

Bbc.com

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BREAKING: Finally, Popular Islamic Cleric Names Those Behind Terrorism In Nigeria

In light of the recent surge in security-related attacks and acts of violence throughout Nigeria, which have garnered significant attention from international communities, including the United States, it is evident that these events have deepened divisions within the country.

Investigations have revealed the identities of those responsible for orchestrating these acts, shedding light on the motivations and affiliations behind their actions. CLICK LINK TO CONTINUE READING.

 

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Mikel Arteta Tight-Lipped On Declan Rice Fitness After Arsenal Midfielder Hobbled Off In Brentford Win

Declan Rice limping off the pitch during Arsenal’s match against Brentford

Arsenal fans held their breath midweek when Declan Rice unexpectedly hobbled off during the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Brentford. And if anyone was expecting a clear update from Mikel Arteta, they certainly didn’t get one.

Ahead of Arsenal’s crucial trip to Villa Park, the Spanish manager remained intentionally cryptic — and for good reason. Arsenal’s injury list is growing, and every hour seems to matter.


Arteta Says: “Let’s See” — Patience Required On Rice

Rice has become the engine, heartbeat, and battery pack of Arsenal’s midfield since arriving from West Ham. His presence is so crucial that even a minor niggle triggers panic across North London.

Although Rice himself told reporters he felt “fine” after the match, Arteta isn’t rushing any verdict.

According to the manager:

“We have another training session in the afternoon. Every hour is going to be very important to see the availability of the players.”

Translation: Nobody knows anything yet — even him.


Arsenal’s Defensive Crisis Deepens

And Rice isn’t the only concern.

Arteta also confirmed that Cristhian Mosquera is facing an uphill battle for the Villa clash. With Saliba and Gabriel already sidelined, losing Mosquera too would leave Arsenal’s defensive unit looking like a Jenga tower leaning on hope and prayers.

Arteta put it bluntly:

“That’s the more complicated one… we need to corroborate with all the testing today.”

Meanwhile, hopes remain higher for William Saliba and Leandro Trossard, with the manager saying their situations are “a matter of days.”


January Window Already Open In Arteta’s Mind

Despite spending over £250 million in the last transfer window, Arteta hinted Arsenal may need to dip back into the market — especially with injuries hitting key departments.

“We always have to be prepared… we need to be open for it.”

In football language, that usually means one thing: Phone lines will be busy in January.


Fixture Congestion? Arteta Shrugs It Off

Playing midweek at Brentford and facing Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime is hardly ideal, but Arteta kept his cool.

“We are ready for tomorrow’s game, that’s for sure.”

Whether his squad physically is… that’s another story.


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World Cup No.7? Stunning Prediction as Cristiano Ronaldo Is Backed to Make History Again

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrating in a Portugal jersey

Cristiano Ronaldo is 40, still scoring, still breaking records — and now tipped to do the unthinkable: play at a seventh FIFA World Cup.

With the 2030 tournament set to be co-hosted by Portugal, Spain, and Morocco, former Portugal striker Nuno Gomes believes the idea of Ronaldo saying his final goodbye at home could be too tempting for the all-time great to resist.


Ronaldo at 40: Still rewriting the record books

The Al-Nassr superstar continues to defy age, maintaining elite form in the Saudi Pro League and keeping himself available for Portugal. He currently boasts:

  • 226 international caps

  • 143 goals for Portugal

  • A lifetime chase for 1,000 career goals

Ronaldo has previously indicated the next World Cup would be his last — but as history shows, the GOAT often changes the script.


“Maybe even he doesn’t know yet” – Nuno Gomes

Speaking to talkSPORT, Nuno Gomes said Ronaldo’s longevity makes predictions tricky:

“Only him, or maybe not even him, knows the answer. He’s still fit to play. He’s still scoring goals. And in football, that’s the most important thing.”

Gomes admits Ronaldo is no longer the explosive teenager who dazzled at 18, but insists the forward remains efficient, dangerous, and an example for younger players.

He added that Portugal boss Roberto Martinez will also play a major role in determining Ronaldo’s future appearances.

Still, the romantic idea of a final farewell in Portugal at the 2030 World Cup might be the perfect ending:

“In four years we are hosting some games. Maybe it could be an opportunity to say goodbye at home.”


Euro 2028? Don’t rule him out

Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown also believes Ronaldo’s hunger will keep him going:

“If he can bring something to the squad, why not pick him? He’s still there for the younger players and wants them to do well.”

Brown insists Ronaldo won’t retire from international football until he retires completely — and that his belief, energy, and competitiveness remain unmatched.


So… will Ronaldo play the 2030 World Cup?

If his body holds up — and knowing the way Ronaldo trains — it’s far from impossible.
A seventh World Cup would make even more history and allow him to finally say goodbye in front of home fans.

And with CR7, you can never say never.

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