Latest news with #Lioness
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
European Championship players keep off social media citing abuse and harassment
England striker Alessia Russo and other Lioness players have said they will stay off social media ahead of the European Championship in Switzerland, citing 'damaging' online abuse The 26-year-old England striker Alessia Russo shared that she stays off social media ahead of major tournaments because of "really damaging" online abuse. The Lioness opened up about how she and her fellow teammates are dealing with social media in the lead-up to their European Championship defence in Switzerland in July 2025. Manchester United midfielder Grace Clinton, 22, says she will try to stay away from social media to avoid a "toxic environment", while Chelsea forward Lauren James said "the abuse never really stops". "I think every player might have a different story about that side of the game but it's definitely one that can be really damaging," Russo told reporters at St George's Park on June 17. She added: "I have faced it in the past and I think most players here have. When I was younger I probably got sucked into it more.' Russo said that after getting "caught" in the social media trap during her first Euros in 2022, she " completely came off everything" for the 2023 World Cup. "It's personal preference and whatever works for the team. Staying away from it and staying focused as a team is what works for me," she said. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast, Chelsea midfielder Keira Walsh said she no longer uses social media and Lucy Bronze added that the online abuse is not just upsetting to players but their families as well. Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you! England midfielder Ella Toone said she will still use Instagram during the tournament, but she will respect the decision of any teammate who decides to keep off social media while in Switzerland. Having experienced online abuse as young players, both Toone and Russo are actively trying to make younger players on the team more comfortable. "I know other people turn their phones off. We have that conversation and all know how each other wants to go through the tournament," Toone said. "If I see something on Instagram I'm not going to tell someone or blurt it out to the team because they don't want to see it. I think it's a personal preference." British tennis player Katie Boulter also recently remarked on the potential effect the increasing frequency and intensity of online abuse can have on younger players. Speaking to BBC Sport, Boulter shared harrowing details of the toxic messages she's encountered online, which include a message instructing her to purchase "candles and a coffin for your entire family" with a sinister mention of her "grandmother's grave if she's not dead by tomorrow". Another told her to "go to hell" for causing someone to lose money, and one wishing her to have cancer. Boulter admitted players are left "vulnerable" not knowing whether stalkers and those who wish them harm are on site at tournaments or what details they have about their location or home address. The gravity of the threat to players was put on stark display when tennis player Emma Raducanu was targeted by a stalker during the Dubai Tennis Championships this past February. The 22-year-old was brought to tears after spotting her stalker in the stands and alerted the umpire to his presence. Despite being detailed by police and issued a restraining order in Dubai, security staff at the All England Club discovered that the unnamed man was on the waiting list for the 2025 Wimbledon public ticket ballot. He was subsequently blocked from buying tickets. Sally Bolton, chief executive of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, said that security measures would be tight at Wimbledon this year. 'We're liaising with the tours, with the Met police, with other security agencies right through the year to think about the types of risks we need to look at and adjusting what we put in place,' she said.
South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
James D'Arcy reveals pleasure at supporting tennis awards
D'Arcy, 49, was one of several high-profile guests, including two-time Olympic medallist Fatima Whitbread and former Lioness Lianne Sanderson, who attended this year's edition of the Tennis Black List, presented in association with Dante Talent and held during the HSBC Championships at The Queen's Club, London on the 11th of June, supported by the LTA. D'Arcy, who holds credits in a blockbuster such as Oppenheimer, Avengers: Endgame and Dunkirk and is a keen tennis enthusiast in his own right, was grateful for the opportunity to attend and lend his voice to support and champion black and mixed black excellence in a sport so close to his own heart. 'It's wonderful isn't it?,' said D'Arcy. 'I know some of the people who work at Dante, so that's how I first became aware of it and very happy to be here and helping them celebrate the evening. It has been such a huge success. 'I started watching tennis when I was pretty young and it was the Borg-McEnroe final of 1980 that got me into it. 'I was always a massive John McEnroe fan because he threw tantrums and I was about the sort of right age for tantrums so although I couldn't match him on the tennis court, I could definitely throw a good tantrum!. 'The Icon award went to Arthur Ashe, who was in a field of one as a black man playing elite tennis at the level he did. 'Now here we are where someone like him is highlighted at these awards. It's great to feel real change coming. 'As with any sport, you would want for something like this to be available to everybody and that just hasn't been the case up until now. It has been kind of elitist and hopefully that's starting to change now. 'It just feels that that's the way the world should be.' Tennis Black List is the global celebration of Black and mixed black excellence across the game — spotlighting the unsung, the visionary and the next generation of changemakers. D'Arcy added: 'Events like this evening are so wonderful and joyful and they're doing such great work that it seems very clear that that's the sort of thing I would like to be involved with. 'I can get behind pretty much any player if they play well but in order to play well, particularly at tennis, you need to have access to money. It's as simple as that. A career in tennis is not something that's just going to happen. Some people are naturally gifted, but it has to be crafted so it's great that we have award ceremonies like this now. 'The people here being honoured must point in the direction of the fact that some of the money is getting to a more diverse group of people and that is wonderful to see.' Founders Anne-Marie Batson and Richard Sackey Addo said: 'This movement is about legacy. Tennis Black List is creating space for Black and mixed-black heritage excellence to be seen, honoured and remembered across all areas of tennis. We are building a global legacy that makes space for what is next.' Launched in 2022; Tennis Black List is the only global platform dedicated to celebrating and documenting Black and mixed-black impact in tennis — from grassroots organisers to elite players. A movement rooted in recognition, legacy, and cultural celebration.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
‘Mini Messi' – Former Lionesses pay tribute to Fran Kirby after her international retirement
Fran Kirby's former teammates dubbed the recently-retired Lioness 'mini Messi' for her game-changing ability in an England shirt. The 31-year-old midfielder retired from England duty earlier this month, following news from Sarina Wiegman that she would not be involved in this summer's Euros in Switzerland. Advertisement After making her debut in 2014, Kirby earned 77 caps and scored 19 goals for the Lionesses, and despite not making it into Wiegman's travelling squad, her former teammates were full of praise for her England legacy. Jill Scott, who retired after England's Euros win alongside Kirby in 2022, said: 'What she [Kirby] contributed to England over the years, she's been amazing. 'I think usually when you put that England shirt on, it probably takes you a tournament or a few games to kind of get going. But I remember 2015, which I think was one of her first tournaments, she was incredible. 'I think they actually nicknamed her 'mini Messi' because of the impact she would have on games. I have never really seen a player impact an international game like she did, since Kelly Smith. Advertisement 'She's a great player and just would like to wish her a massive congratulations on a great England career.' Former England captain Steph Houghton added: 'Fran should be so proud of what she's achieved in her career. 'To think, I was there when she came into the England setup and she was playing for Reading at the time, which was the league below, and she came in and she was that number 10 that we had been crying out for – that little bit of trickery, that game changer. 'And ever since then, she's scored important goals and made important progress within the team. 'She can hold her head up high and know that she had a great international career and I was really proud to be her teammate as well.'
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
BBC announce Euro 2025 pundits including Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Lionesses' record goalscorer
ALEX SCOTT is fronting an all-star BBC punditry team for Euro 2025. The Lionesses are preparing to defend the title they memorably won on home soil in 2022. Advertisement 4 Alex Scott is set to present the BBC's coverage of Euro 2025 Credit: Splash 4 She will be joined by Gabby Logan in the Been studio Credit: PA 4 Former Lioness Steph Houghton is among the pundits Credit: Getty 4 Jill Scott, who won the Euros three years ago, returns as a pundit for the tournament Credit: Getty Sarina Wiegman's side begin their campaign against France in Group D on July 5. And a host of past stars are joining the Beeb for the tournament in Switzerland. Former right-back Scott won 140 caps for the Lionesses between 2004 and 2017. She will lead the BBC's coverage alongside Gabby Logan and Jeanette Kwakye. Advertisement READ MORE ON FOOTBALL BALE IN FUNDS Gareth Bale lined up to front shock takeover of EFL club as he mimics Modric England's all-time record goal scorer Ellen White is among the punditry team. White won 113 caps for the Lionesses, scoring 52 goals. She will be joined by former players Jill Scott, Steph Houghton and Fara Williams, Scott, 38, was part of the Lionesses team that won the Euros against Germany at Wembley three years ago. Advertisement BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK She said: "I'm absolutely buzzing to be part of the BBC team for the Euros. "Tournaments like this are what football's all about. The passion, the drama, the unforgettable moments. Lionesses legend Chloe Kelly shows off dance moves with Man Utd star after jetting off on holiday ahead of Euros "I can't wait to get stuck in, share some insight and hopefully bring a bit of fun along the way too." Advertisement Euro 2025 gets underway on July 2, with Iceland taking on Finland before hosts Switzerland face Norway. There are 16 nations in total taking part in the tournament. England have been drawn in Group D alongside France, Holland and Wales. The Welsh are making their debut in the competition, with ex-striker Helen Ward part of the BBC commentary team. Advertisement Rachel Brown-Finnis, Gilly Flaherty and Izzy Christiansen will also join as co-commentators. Lionesses' Euro 2025 squad Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton Khiara Keating Anna Moorhouse Defenders: Lucy Bronze Lotte Wubben-Moy Jess Carter Niamh Charles Maya Le Tissier Esme Morgan Alex Greenwood Leah Williamson Midfielders: Grace Clinton Jess Park Ella Toone Georgia Stanway Keira Walsh Forwards: Lauren Hemp Beth Mead Lauren James Chloe Kelly Aggie Beever-Jones Michelle Agyemang Alessia Russo Weigman has named her 23-strong squad for the tournament next month. The squad includes 13 players who made history in lifting the trophy in 2022. Weigman said: "This group is a very well-balanced mix of players with multiple tournaments on their CVs and also those that will make their tournament debuts. Advertisement "I am excited to see what we are capable of this summer. "At the same time, I do feel for those that have just missed out. I can only name 23 but there are more players who have been so important to us on our journey to Switzerland. "We would not be here without them. "As we look forward, we still have a month to go until we play the first game. Advertisement "After some important rest, we will all be working really hard to make sure we are ready to go on July 5."
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
BBC announce Euro 2025 pundits including Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Lionesses' record goalscorer
ALEX SCOTT is fronting an all-star BBC punditry team for Euro 2025. The Lionesses are preparing to defend the title 4 Alex Scott is set to present the BBC's coverage of Euro 2025 Credit: Splash 4 She will be joined by Gabby Logan in the Been studio Credit: PA 4 Former Lioness Steph Houghton is among the pundits Credit: Getty 4 Jill Scott, who won the Euros three years ago, returns as a pundit for the tournament Credit: Getty And a host of past stars are joining the Beeb for the tournament in Switzerland. Former right-back She will lead the BBC's coverage alongside READ MORE ON FOOTBALL England's all-time record goal scorer Ellen White is among the punditry team. White won 113 caps for the Lionesses, scoring 52 goals. She will be joined by former players Scott, 38, was part of the Lionesses team that Most read in Football BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK She said: "I'm absolutely buzzing to be part of the BBC team for the Euros. "Tournaments like this are what football's all about. The passion, the drama, the unforgettable moments. Lionesses legend Chloe Kelly shows off dance moves with Man Utd star after jetting off on holiday ahead of Euros "I can't wait to get stuck in, share some insight and hopefully bring a bit of fun along the way too." There are 16 nations in total taking part in the tournament. England have been drawn in Group D alongside France, Holland and Wales. The Welsh are making their debut in the competition, with ex-striker Helen Ward part of the BBC commentary team. Rachel Brown-Finnis, Gilly Flaherty and Izzy Christiansen will also join as co-commentators. Lionesses' Euro 2025 squad Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton Khiara Keating Anna Moorhouse Defenders: Lucy Bronze Lotte Wubben-Moy Jess Carter Niamh Charles Maya Le Tissier Esme Morgan Alex Greenwood Leah Williamson Midfielders: Grace Clinton Jess Park Ella Toone Georgia Stanway Keira Walsh Forwards: Lauren Hemp Beth Mead Lauren James Chloe Kelly Aggie Beever-Jones Michelle Agyemang Alessia Russo Weigman has The squad includes 13 players who made history in lifting the trophy in 2022. Weigman said: "This group is a very well-balanced mix of players with multiple tournaments on their CVs and also those that will make their tournament debuts. "I am excited to see what we are capable of this summer. "At the same time, I do feel for those that have just missed out. I can only name 23 but there are more players who have been so important to us on our journey to Switzerland. "We would not be here without them. "As we look forward, we still have a month to go until we play the first game. "After some important rest, we will all be working really hard to make sure we are ready to go on July 5."
