'This league has become a completely different animal'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
21 minutes ago
- Metro
Millie Bright praises England duo and makes Euro 2025 final prediction
Millie Bright is confident England will come out on top in the Women's Euro 2025 final and believes Spain should be 'fearful' of Sarina Wiegman's side. England, the holders, looked to be crashing out of this summer's tournament after going a goal down to Italy in Tuesday night's thrilling semi-final in Geneva. But Michelle Agyemang found a dramatic late equaliser from the bench, just as she had done in the quarter-finals against Sweden, before Chloe Kelly scored in the last minute of extra-time to seal a 2-1 victory. The Lionesses' remarkable and somewhat rocky run means they will be playing in their third successive major tournament final when they take the field against Spain on Sunday evening. Montse Tome's Spain – the reigning world champions – represent a daunting prospect for England heading into their first-ever European Championship final having edged past the 2022 runners-up, Germany, in extra-time on Wednesday. But Bright – who last month made herself unavailable for England selection – believes the Lionesses' have proven they can overcome any 'obstacle' with their never-say-die attitude across the campaign. Looking back on England's win over Italy, Bright told Sky Sports: 'It was never in doubt! I believe in the girls 100 per cent, from start to finish. This team has overcome so many obstacles. 'We've gone a goal down, we've gone to extra-time, we've gone to penalties and we've faced a little bit of criticism: the squads a little inexperienced, there's a lot of youngsters, how will we cope? 'There's many obstacles that we've overcome and every time I watch the team perform I'm super proud, proud to be English, proud of the girls and the youngsters coming through. 'It just goes to show that age is just a number, from the likes of Lucy Bronze, our most senior player, to the youngsters coming on, rescuing us, taking us to the semi-finals and now taking us to the final as well.' To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Aged just 19, Agyemang has well and truly announced herself as one of England's most potent weapons with her magnificent performances off the bench in Switzerland. Wiegman hailed Agyemang as a 'special' talent in the wake of the teen's heroics against Italy – and Bright has no doubts that the Lionesses have unearthed a gem. 'She's been incredible. She's not only contributed, she's taken us to the semi-finals and the final, just like Chloe Kelly has,' the England and Chelsea defender said of Agyemang. 'But listen, she sends a message to any youngster out there and that is wanting to play for England. 'She probably didn't have going to the Euros in her sights and she's there and not only is she there, but she's rescuing the team, playing her part and what an incredible, exciting time for England. 'A youngster like herself, coming through, and that is the future so it's certainly looking bright from there.' To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video According to Bright, Kelly has further underlined her 'big-game' credentials by helping rescue the Lionesses out of two rather sizeable holes against both Sweden and Italy en route to the final. 'She's a big-game player. She's about big moments, all that aura, all that confidence,' Bright said of the Arsenal forward. 'She never feels the pressure, she's always calm and collected and she thrives in these positions. 'She took that penalty and she's smiling before she's taking it. There wasn't one doubt in my mind that she was putting it in the back of the net against Sweden and then the same in the Italy game. 'I think she's a perfect example of going through tough times. If you look at prior to the tournament and everything she had to go through, she's rose above everything and really showed her true character. 'She's also an unbelievable team-mate. She'll do absolutely anything for the team, whether that's coming on as a sub or starting.' To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Bright – speaking ahead of Spain's semi-final defeat of Germany – insisted she was backing England to win 'no matter' which team advanced through to face them in Basel. 'I'm not bothered which team the girls face because it's a final. You're playing in a Euros final and any team you come up against is going to be tough and difficult to beat,' the Chelsea captain added. More Trending 'They're very different teams. Germany have that resilience, that grit and that fight to sometimes play a little poorly and still get over the line. 'Spain want to dominate, they don't like defending, they don't want you in their faces. 'We want to be proper England and we've shown that so far I don't think they'd enjoy facing us. 'But I think any team should fear us and we're in the final for a reason. You don't get there by the off chance. The girls have shown that from start to finish and I'm backing them no matter who they face.' Who will win Euro 2025? For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: DJ dies 'after being beaten by cops' at Ibiza party when police were 'called over noise' MORE: Michelle Agyemang reacts to wild journey from England ball girl to Euro 2025 saviour MORE: Italy complain about England penalty after Euro 2025 heartbreak
Belfast Telegraph
21 minutes ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Ulster Rally boss reveals why joining prestigious European series would be so special for showpiece
Representatives from the FIA, motorsport's governing body, are travelling to Newry next month where they will meet with event officials, including Clerk of the Course Wayne Turkington. If all goes to plan, and the Northern Ireland Motor Club showpiece ticks all the boxes, the understanding is it will become a round of the FIA European Historic Rally Championship. The Championship is touted as the 'ultimate celebration of rallying's glorious past', with each decade from the Sixties right up to the Noughties represented by an array of exotic machinery from Porsche's 911 Carrera and BMW's M3 E30 to Ford's endearing Escort Mk2. It comprises 10 rounds in 2025, with these running between March and November and visiting several countries, including Spain, Czech Republic, Austria, Finland and Portugal. Points-scoring rounds typically comprise 90 competitive miles, with crews tackling these over the course of one-and-a-half-days — a formula that works for the Ulster Rally. If Turkington and his team can bank a slot on the FIA EHRC calendar for 2026 it would have added significance as the Ulster Rally celebrates its 50th anniversary next August. 'We know the eyes of the motorsport world will be on us when the FIA representatives arrive, and we are determined to show that the Ulster Rally is ready to take its place on the European stage,' said Turkington. 'Securing a spot on the FIA European Historic Rally Championship would be a big endorsement of the event's quality and illustrious history. 'To bring the FIA European Historic Rally Championship to Northern Ireland in the same year that the Ulster Rally celebrates its golden anniversary would be incredibly special. 'It would be a fitting tribute to everyone who has contributed to the event over the past five decades, from volunteers and competitors to sponsors and spectators.' Plans for the 49th instalment of the Modern Tyres Ulster Rally are well underway, with one title potentially set to be decided on the weekend of August 15th and 16th. A win would see the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship title return to Callum Devine and Noel O'Sullivan who have been in imperious form since April. The Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 team-mates have triumphed on three of the four rounds they have started, including the Circuit of Ireland Rally, Killarney Rally of the Lakes, and Donegal International Rally.
Scotsman
21 minutes ago
- Scotsman
Derek McInnes hails Hearts new boys and warns Sunderland to expect 'proper match'
Jambos ease into Premier Sports Cup last 16 Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Hearts manager Derek McInnes hailed the impact of his new signings after a place in the last 16 of the Premier Sports Cup was secured with a 4-0 win over Dumbarton at Tynecastle. Second half strikes from summer recruits Alexandros Kyziridis and Claudio Braga put the seal on the victory after Lawrence Shankland and Michael Steinwender had netted with headers before the break. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Kyziridis made it two goals in two appearances following his move from MFK Zemplin Michalovce while Braga now has three goals in four games since arriving from Aalesund. Hearts netted four goals in each of their group stages matches to claim maximum 12 points and progress to the next round, almost certainly as one of the seeded teams. And McInnes has been pleased with the contribution of his new attackers. Claudio Braga (second from left) celebrates with James Wilson, Adam Forrester and Blair Spittal after making it 4-0 to Hearts over Dumbarton at Tynecastle. (Photo by Paul Devlin / SNS Group) | SNS Group "Both of them have made a quick start," he said. "Supporters like what they see - as do we. Both boys are desperate to do well. We've made it clear to them that it covers a multitude of sins if you work hard for supporters and the fans need to see that. It's fundamental for all the players. The games coming up will be a big step up from this, both physically and in terms of intensity. But all the new lads can be pleased with their introduction considering we were just back over a month ago." Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Hearts new host Sunderland in Craig Gordon's testimonial on Saturday before starting their William Hill Premiership campaign at home to Aberdeen on Monday, August 4. "It's clearly a step up," McInnes said looking ahead to the visit of the Black Cats. "It's a testimonial for Craig and both clubs are here to honour him. At the start and end it will feel like that for Craig, but once the ball rolls it will feel like a proper game. Scotland v England, a Premier League team coming up and thinking back as a player, you would love to pitch yourself against them. I think it will be a really good test for us." Hearts' Alexandros Kyziridis celebrates with James Wilson (L) after making it 3-0 over Dumbarton at Tynecastle. (Photo by Paul Devlin / SNS Group) | SNS Group Shankland headed the opener in the 17th minute from Stephen Kingsley's cross and Michael Steinwender headed home from a corner seconds before the half-time whistle. Scott Tomlinson almost stunned the home support in the opening seconds of the second half when he hit the bar from a tight angle after robbing Kingsley of possession near the corner flag. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But Hearts were soon back in control and Kyziridis scored his second goal in as many games as the winger jinked his way into the box before sending an angled drive just inside the far post. Braga then converted Cammy Devlin's cutback in the 72nd minute to move Hearts on to a goal difference of 11 and ensure they will be the only top-flight side to boast a perfect record in the group stage. Championship Airdrie continued their 100 per cent record with a 2-1 victory over Montrose to move above Alloa on goal difference in Group C. The group, which features already-eliminated Dundee, will be decided on Saturday when Alloa visit Lanarkshire in a winner-takes-all tie. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Diamonds opened the scoring in the 56th minute at Gayfield when Euan Henderson's cross found its way into the net. The visitors doubled their lead six minutes later when Lewis McGrattan knocked the ball home after Henderson was brought down as he looked set to convert the rebound from his own saved shot.
