Inside England’s battle to keep the best talent in their teams

Images courtesy of Getty

Not just any English team will be playing on the grass when England take on Andorra at Villa Park on Saturday.

The England Under-15 team will be the game’s ball boys, and they will do so because the Football Association (FA) has done extensive planning over the long term.

The FA has been doing it for the past few years in an effort to increase the youngsters’ desire to play for England and keep them on the national team in the competitive era of players with eligibility for more than one nation.

The U15s are being invited to play in this capacity so that they can feel included in the England lineup when they aren’t available for international play.

To get lessons from the England senior player who plays in their position, they will strategically place them near the pitch near their current positions.

Harry Kane (Republic of Ireland), Bukayo Saka (Nigeria), Jude Bellingham (Republic of Ireland), Cole Palmer (St. Kitts and Nevis), and Marc Guehi (Ivory Coast) are some of England’s key players who could have represented other countries.

Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice, both of whom could have played for another country, could start for England on Saturday as the latter will play three international friendlies for the Republic of Ireland senior team in 2018.

Anderson withdrew to spend more time reflecting on his international future after being invited to the senior Scotland squad to play for England two years ago.

Dan Ashworth, the then FA’s director of elite development before becoming its chief football officer, stated in 2019 that “55 are eligible for more than one country out of our radar.”

The talent vs. international competition

Anderson impressed the England starting lineup with his potential, according to then senior manager Gareth Southgate, who had previously played for Scotland at youth levels.

However, with Germany midfielder Jamal Musiala playing for England up to U21 level and Michael Olise, a former France international, being tracked by England and Bayern Munich, it doesn’t always go their way.

Along with their ball boys’ experience, the U15 players will also get talks from Dion Dublin and Andy Johnson, who are both expected to speak. Technical director John McDermott is also scheduled to address the group.

When players begin playing tournaments with their club’s academies, the FA is interested in their U13 level. Rio Ngumoha from Liverpool and Max Dowman, both of whom had breakout seasons, caught England coaches’ attention at this age.

By setting up training camps in the UK, which are typically required for players with dual nationalities, other countries are also known for acting and can show their talent and get a feel for a new national set-up without having to travel frequently.

Jamaica, Ghana, Nigeria, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica all participated in the Unity Cup held at Brentford’s stadium. In the UK, it was a case of national teams bringing players from different nationalities to the country.

The FA has always made an effort to make playing for England a memorable experience.

The FA has a cult following among its social media users who post videos of the players playing for England duty.

Rico Lewis claimed in September of last year that he had envisioned himself in one of those arrival videos that were uploaded to YouTube along with the Three Lions.

In order to increase the numbers, there are also the young players who are recruited into senior training sessions.

The FA wants all of the England Pathways teams to be located on one site, which is one of the reasons it has invested so much effort in transforming and creating St George’s Park.

A number of players have made their senior debuts for England with England U21 players being called up after a broken or injured player.

Law McCabe from Middlesbrough and Zach Abbott from Nottingham Forest were both called up to the England senior side for U20 training just this week.

Although it’s mostly just a case of adding more players during training, it’s also something young players can want to achieve.

And that opportunity to train with the senior squad, however small, could be what keeps the young players interested in England.

related subjects

  • Football
  • Men’s football teams from England

How England are trying to keep the best talent in their teams

Images courtesy of Getty

Not just any English team will be playing on the grass when England take on Andorra at Villa Park on Saturday.

The England Under-15 team will be the game’s ball boys, and they will do so because the Football Association (FA) has done extensive planning over the long term.

The FA has been doing it for the past few years in an effort to increase the youngsters’ desire to play for England and keep them on the national team in the competitive era of players with eligibility for more than one nation.

The U15s are being invited to play in this capacity so that they can feel included in the England lineup when they aren’t available for international play.

To get lessons from the England senior player who plays in their position, they will strategically place them near the pitch near their current positions.

Harry Kane (Republic of Ireland), Bukayo Saka (Nigeria), Jude Bellingham (Republic of Ireland), Cole Palmer (St. Kitts and Nevis), and Marc Guehi (Ivory Coast) are some of England’s key players who could have represented other countries.

Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice, both of whom could have played for another country, could start for England on Saturday as the latter will play three international friendlies for the Republic of Ireland senior team in 2018.

Anderson withdrew to spend more time reflecting on his international future after being invited to the senior Scotland squad to play for England two years ago.

Dan Ashworth, the then FA’s director of elite development before becoming its chief football officer, stated in 2019 that “55 are eligible for more than one country out of our radar.”

The talent vs. international competition

Anderson impressed the England starting lineup with his potential, according to then senior manager Gareth Southgate, who had previously played for Scotland at youth levels.

However, with Germany midfielder Jamal Musiala playing for England up to U21 level and Michael Olise, a former France international, being tracked by England and Bayern Munich, it doesn’t always go their way.

Along with their ball boys’ experience, the U15 players will also get talks from Dion Dublin and Andy Johnson, who are both expected to speak. Technical director John McDermott is also scheduled to address the group.

When players begin playing tournaments with their club’s academies, the FA is interested in their U13 level. Rio Ngumoha from Liverpool and Max Dowman, both of whom had breakout seasons, caught England coaches’ attention at this age.

By setting up training camps in the UK, which are typically required for players with dual nationalities, other countries are also known for acting and can show their talent and get a feel for a new national set-up without having to travel frequently.

Jamaica, Ghana, Nigeria, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica all participated in the Unity Cup held at Brentford’s stadium. In the UK, it was a case of national teams bringing players from different nationalities to the country.

The FA has always made an effort to make playing for England a memorable experience.

The FA has a cult following among its social media users who post videos of the players playing for England duty.

Rico Lewis claimed in September of last year that he had envisioned himself in one of those arrival videos that were uploaded to YouTube along with the Three Lions.

In order to increase the numbers, there are also the young players who are recruited into senior training sessions.

The FA wants all of the England Pathways teams to be located on one site, which is one of the reasons it has invested so much effort in transforming and creating St George’s Park.

A number of players have made their senior debuts for England with England U21 players being called up after a broken or injured player.

Law McCabe from Middlesbrough and Zach Abbott from Nottingham Forest were both called up to the England senior side for U20 training just this week.

Although it’s mostly just a case of adding more players during training, it’s also something young players can want to achieve.

And that opportunity to train with the senior squad, however small, could be what keeps the young players interested in England.

related subjects

  • Football
  • Men’s football teams from England

Pete Wicks’ fears over ‘problem’ in relationship with Olivia Attwood

After the pair were at the center of the gossip mill, Pete Wicks’ friendship with Olivia Attwood has become “frustrated,” according to a source.

Pete Wicks is feeling “frustrated” over his friendship with Olivia Attwood as new fears have developed, claims a source(Image: ITV)

Pete Wicks found himself at the centre of a media storm recently after being snapped looking cosy with married pal Olivia Attwood during a recent trip to Ibiza.

Now, a source tells Mirror the former TOWIE star, 36, is frustrated as he’s struggling to shake off his playboy image. “Pete is sick of being unable to have close friends without it being misconstrued. He always has this problem of people thinking the worst,” says the source, who claims the pair are nothing more than good friends.

Olivia, 34, and Pete spent a mix of their work and play on the White Isle. They went on a trip with friends and went to the bars to record their co-hosting Kiss radio show, The Sunday Roast.

Olivia Attwood and Pete Wicks
Pete and olivia have been close friends for several years (Image: Getty Images)

READ MORE: Meghan Markle sparks jewellery trend with charm accessory on Netflix show

However, Pete was pictured surrounded by the former Love Islander as she lay on him while on a boat. Fans reportedly questioned the true nature of Olivia’s marriage after seeing the photo, which reportedly caused Bradley Dack to become furious back home.

According to sources, Olivia’s footballer husband was “livid” after his teammates shared the photos in Gillingham FC’s WhatsApp group. One was reported as saying, “Bradley’s tried to laugh it off, but inside he’s fuming. He trusts Liv, but Pete having his hands over his wife while she’s wearing a bikini isn’t a great look. He’s livid with her for putting him in this position.”

One of Olivia’s social media followers wrote to her saying they were “worried” about her marriage. The actress responded, “Don’t be,” with a clap of approval. Concern your own; worry about it.

Bradley and Olivia have been together on and off since their 2015 wedding anniversary. She and Pete have known each other for a while since they first met on TOWIE in 2019.

Earlier this year, Pete dated another Love Island alumni, Maura Higgins, but is thought to be single now. But he often finds his romances under the microscope – including tumultuous relationships with Megan McKenna, Chloe Sims and Ella Rae Wise.

The presenter has admitted their relationship isn't
Olivia married footballer Bradley Dack last year and has been with him on and off for ten years(Image: Instagram)

Pete was rumored to be dating his professional partner Jowita Przysta during their time on Strictly last year, despite both of them denying this. And while fans focus on whether he has a special someone, the Essex native has previously admitted to getting along “better with women” when it comes to friends.

I grew up with my mother and my nan, and I was raised with two extremely strong women, Pete said earlier this year. The notion that men and women cannot be friends is a load of b******s.

He referred to Olivia as “two of my very, very close friends,” adding that he “knows Vicky Pattison and Olivia Attwood very well.” I adore those girls’ bones. Friendship is important for women, but friendship in general is important.

This year, the duo began hosting their own radio show together, and they even attended the BRIT Awards together. Pete and Olivia brushed aside the drama, gushing about how much fun they had, despite any upset their summer vacation may have caused.

Olivia Attwood
Olivia and Pete co-host a KISS Radio Show together(Image: Kiss FM)
Pete Wicks on KISS radio
They hosted a live version of the show from Ibiza last month(Image: Kiss FM)

Pete stated on their podcast that “we were obviously working for a few days and then we had a few days off.” It was wonderful because the people we were with made it such a wonderful trip, but we didn’t get a lot of rest time, so it was nice to go a little off the radar.

Olivia laughed and said, “I’m not going to lie, it was very feral. There are many events that we can’t even discuss on this podcast.

Our source claims that Pete is concerned that the furore could put his friendship with Olivia in jeopardy despite making light of it.

Continue reading the article.

There is nothing romantic happening, according to our source, “Pete isn’t the playboy people are making him out to be.” He loves Olivia and is there for her, but there isn’t anything romantic going on. Because they get along so well and that means a lot to him, “He doesn’t want to lose their friendship over this.”

Herbert inspires Chargers to win against Chiefs

Images courtesy of Getty

In Sao Paulo, Brazil, the Los Angeles Chargers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 27-21 in their first NFL game. Justin Herbert was the star.

The Chargers defeated the team’s beaten Super Bowl finalists last year by 318 yards and three touchdowns.

Herbert remarked, “It was just another game for us.” We arrived, were executed, and did what was required.

On the way to the Chargers going 10-0 up in the second NFL game to be played in Sao Paulo, Herbert found Quentin Johnson for a touchdown.

Before Harrison Butker missed the chance to level with an extra point attempt, the Chiefs rallied to end the game with a touchdown run by Patrick Mahomes.

The Chargers led 20-12 going into the fourth quarter when Herbert then threw a touchdown to Keenan Allen.

The Chargers’ first victory over the Chiefs since September 2021 came thanks to a touchdown by Travis Kelce, but Herbert and Johnson combined for a further score.

Mahomes, who added a touchdown and 258 yards to his score, said, “I think they came out with more energy than we did overall.”

“We didn’t carry out.” We obviously didn’t play well enough in the first half, and I missed some throws down the field.

related subjects

  • American Football

Herbert inspires Chargers to win against Chiefs

Images courtesy of Getty

In Sao Paulo, Brazil, the Los Angeles Chargers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 27-21 in their first NFL game. Justin Herbert was the star.

The Chargers defeated the team’s beaten Super Bowl finalists last year by 318 yards and three touchdowns.

Herbert remarked, “It was just another game for us.” We arrived, were executed, and did what was required.

On the way to the Chargers going 10-0 up in the second NFL game to be played in Sao Paulo, Herbert found Quentin Johnson for a touchdown.

Before Harrison Butker missed the chance to level with an extra point attempt, the Chiefs rallied to end the game with a touchdown run by Patrick Mahomes.

The Chargers led 20-12 going into the fourth quarter when Herbert then threw a touchdown to Keenan Allen.

The Chargers’ first victory over the Chiefs since September 2021 came thanks to a touchdown by Travis Kelce, but Herbert and Johnson combined for a further score.

Mahomes, who added a touchdown and 258 yards to his score, said, “I think they came out with more energy than we did overall.”

“We didn’t carry out.” We obviously didn’t play well enough in the first half, and I missed some throws down the field.

related subjects

  • American Football

Humble & sweet, but a lion – the story of the first female £1m player

Images courtesy of Getty

Humble &amp, sweet, but a lion – the story of the first female £1m player

Olivia Smith has already established herself.

The 21-year-old is the first £1 million women’s football player to enter the Emirates Stadium on Saturday with a legacy in front of the crowd.

Arsenal broke the world record to sign her from Liverpool in July and, although it has since been surpassed, she will forever be the women’s game’s first seven-figure player.

“This was where everything was headed.” Erica Dambach, her ex-Penn State University head coach, told BBC Sport that she was born for this.

“Yes, it’s happened young, but it hasn’t happened without years of preparation to get into this environment.

Young players may struggle with it for a while after receiving the emotions and media training. Since she was 15 years old, Liv has been experiencing this.

She continues to be just Liv.

Olivia SmithCP Sporting

Despite her meteoric rise, her former coaches say she has not changed.

When Liverpool were about to break their transfer record, when Smith completed her medical with a £210, 000 deal with Portuguese side Sporting, his new manager Matt Beard had his first meeting with his new superstar signing over dinner.

Because I know the footballer we signed and we shared a lot of similarities, it was surreal, Beard said to BBC Sport.

” She’s just a great kid, she’s very down to earth. But our initial conversation was excellent. She’s fantastic, and Olivia takes everything seriously.

“She’s a kid at heart. She is a human being, and I believe that when I tried to let everyone be themselves, she adapted very well. Her personality is exactly that,” she said.

The relationship that built between player and coach was deep and, even after both departed Liverpool, they stayed in touch. After her new club’s pre-season game against Tottenham Hotspur, Smith thanked Beard for his kind words.

This characteristic distinguishes Canadians frequently. Smith texted Sporting’s head of women’s football, Margarida Batlle y Font, after her move to Arsenal and also visited AFC Toronto this summer to meet Marko Milanovic and Billy Wilson, two people who played an instrumental part in her development when they were all at North Toronto Nitros.

Olivia is still just Liv, according to Wilson, according to Wilson. She has not at all changed. She’s still got the exact same group of friends.

She is simply a youngster who loves life, has a positive outlook, loves her football, and is always smiling.

Her father resembles Serena and Venus’ father, according to her.

Her parents have been there for her every step of the way and have been a huge part in her impressive rise.

Sean Smith and Sulee Riquelme-Smith were also at that dinner table in Liverpool – along with the forward, Beard and Russ Fraser, Liverpool’s former women’s managing director – and that will hardly surprise anyone who has followed the player’s career.

Beard praised the parents for doing an incredible job of getting her ready for this. They have made a lot of sacrifices as a family, they say.

” They have done a fantastic job raising her and preparing her for this moment as an athlete. “

She had a strong passion for football as a child. Her parents encouraged her to pursue her other interests, which in turn helped her develop as a football player.

” She played numerous sports such as hockey, and she did a martial arts discipline, “said Beard.

“I just think that education alone, if you’re looking at martial arts as a sport, is more about discipline and not the fighting side of it,” she says.

“Smith has a frustration that I never, ever want to take out of players, and you saw it a few times last season. And I think the top players are like that. You therefore don’t want to remove that.”

On the day Smith made her first move to Europe, Sporting, Batlle y Font got to experience the significant role Sean had played in his daughter’s career.

“Her dad is a figure a bit like the father of Venus and Serena Williams”, said Sporting’s head of women’s football.

‘ How did we fool this girl to be here? ‘

Olivia SmithMartin Bazyl

Smith played for the North Toronto Nitros in 2022. She ripped League1 Ontario up.

She had already scored 18 goals in 11 games by the time the semi-professional league was over, making it her final international competition.

She relocated to Penn State University in Pennsylvania in the summer of that year. Again, her time there was fleeting.

By the end of her freshman year, calls from Europe had arrived at Penn State despite her serious cruciate ligament injury from the Under-20 World Cup and her frail run of form.

Former Penn State University head coach Dambach said, “It was neat to watch her be an 18-year-old because I don’t believe there have been many times where she’s been able to be her actual age.”

“Since leaving Penn State she has put herself out there and put herself in uncomfortable situations and I think through those she was able to really grow and develop”.

In spite of strong interest in France and England, she eventually left her college and moved to Portugal to start playing sport a year later.

Batlle y Font gained a significant amount of benefits from convincing Smith to switch to the obscur Portuguese league.

“I won’t say that our project is better than those clubs, obviously it’s different”, said the 30-year-old. She probably understood our desire for her, she said.

She chose us because she understood that she would not be a single player, but because she understood that she would have the same rights and obligations as other players.

“Once she made the decision, we never felt that she was looking at us as a minor club, compared to the other clubs interested in her”.

In Portugal, she quickly made an impression.

She would make a little fool of them because she was 18 when she faced experienced players.

” When she played we would look at each other and say, ‘ how did we fool this girl to be here? How fortunate are we? ” “

Again by the end of another fruitful season, she was packing her bags and Batlle y Font was receiving enquiries from multiple clubs in Europe.

“There were more clubs interested and, to be honest, with better offers than Liverpool,” Batlle Y Font claimed, “Not the kind of project Olivia wanted. This once more demonstrates Olivia’s incredible sanity.

Her debut season in the WSL saw her score seven goals in 20 games for Liverpool, as well as being named the PFA young player of the year. It was her third club in three years when she first joined Arsenal this summer.

Speaking to reporters in the pre-season, Smith said, “I definitely think it’s uncomfortable, but you have to be comfortable being uncomfortable.” And it’s been quite tough for me personally, not knowing what’s going to come next.

I never anticipated leaving after one season, especially last year, after spending one season in what I believe is the best league in the world before moving here.

Dealing with the price tag

Olivia SmithImages courtesy of Getty
The growth of the women’s game has been evident this summer. With the signing of Lizbeth Ovalle from Tigres for £1.1 million, Smith broke the world record in 35 days.

But Smith will always be the player who was the first to breach the seven-figure mark, like Trevor Francis in the men’s game in 1979, and that comes with its own, unique pressure.

“It’s definitely an honor, especially coming from Liverpool,” said the new Arsenal player.

I believe they see my potential and my mindset when I come with such a high price tag for such a young player as myself.

“I’m hungry, I’m driven, I want to learn, I want to grow, and I want to win things, ultimately.

And I believe that was a significant component. However, I don’t really care about it because of the money.

For those who have worked with her, they believe this money will be justified with her performances on the pitch and that she will use the price tag as motivation.

She simply had everything, according to Beard. Without a shadow of a doubt, she will be the world’s best player.

Wilson added:” It’s an amazing mentality and some players when they get there, they stay on that limit. She constantly tries to push boundaries. She is consistent, but it’s challenging to be consistent.

And for Arsenal, they should have the luxury that Penn State, Sporting and Liverpool were not able to have – more than a year with Smith in their side.

Because she has risen to the top of European football, “we knew that she would be]at Sporting], and now Arsenal know that they can have her for quite a while,” said Batlle y Font.

She will continue to push, despite only becoming Champions League winners, without a doubt.

Ellen White, Jen Beattie and Ben Haines
The Women’s Football Weekly podcast returns for another season featuring Ben Haines, Ellen White, and Jen Beattie. New episodes drop every Tuesday on BBC Sounds, plus find interviews and extra content from the Women’s Super League and beyond on the Women’s Football Weekly feed

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