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BBC News
18 minutes ago
- BBC News
Barlaston post box topper celebrates Trentham children's author
A children's author has said she is "touched" that a post box topper has been made near her home town, inspired by her Seiver who was born and raised in Trentham, Staffordshire, published her first book, The Story of Polly Pin, in 2023. She has since written and published two topper is located in Orchard Place, Barlaston, and features several elements from the books."I think that it's so important to support anything that happens locally, and especially something that's intended for small children," said Marianne Stevenson - a member of the University of the Third Age (U3A) sewing group that made it. "We wondered what we could do [between] VE day and VJ day. "We thought: 'Lets do a children's book for the summer', because last year we did a seaside scene."The idea to feature Ms Seiver's books was put forward by her own mum, who is part of the group. "I read Polly Pin in Barlaston First School not long ago, so I'm hoping that lots of the little ones from that school will see it and it'll just bring a smile to people's faces," said Ms books follow Polly, a sewing pin. The first introduces children to the world of sewing and celebrates differences between idea came from Ms Seiver's love of sewing and teaching children, though it was not always that way."I used to hate it, and that's what I couldn't understand, and I think because my mum said I was good at it - that's what inspired me to keep going," she passion was ignited when her grandfather gave her a sewing machine during lockdown. An early years teacher by trade, she said the idea struck her while at work."One of my favourite parts of my job is reading stories to children," she said."I looked at all their little faces looking up at this book, and I just thought it must be amazing to write a story and have children look at it like these are looking at this now."[I thought] maybe I could have a pin in my story... and then a little girl in my class walked past whose name is Polly and I just went... Polly Pin!"She teamed up with local illustrator Christine Warrington, and the books are now stocked in places such as TG Jones (formerly WH Smith) and Waterstones."I'm so touched, and Christine herself as well to be honest, because it was Christine that designed the characters for me," she said of the topper, which had lots of positive feedback from the community."They're just such a kind group of ladies who are really, really talented." Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Telegraph
21 minutes ago
- Telegraph
Shock player exits and a problem position – the build-up to England's title defence
England's defence of their European Championship title will begin on Saturday but much has changed since their historic victory in 2022. The Lionesses remain one of the strongest teams in the tournament but the standard of those around them has vastly improved. There has also been a high turnover of personnel in Sarina Wiegman's side, with some big-name players having retired while younger talents have been promoted. With just days to go until their campaign kicks off, Telegraph Sport takes a look at how the Lionesses are shaping up ahead of this summer's tournament. Wiegman averts a crisis The words 'new England' were repeated when the 23 players took part in a pre-tournament media day. It is not an inaccurate description of the current squad. Of the 11 players who started every game at Euro 2022, only six remain – Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, Lauren Hemp and Beth Mead. Alessia Russo, who was one of the 'super subs' at the tournament, has replaced Ellen White as the first-choice striker. Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly, who both came off the bench to score in the final, are also challenging for places in the starting team. Four of the Euros starters have retired. White hung up her boots just after that tournament while Rachel Daly, who played at left-back despite her preferred position being centre-forward, stepped back from international football in April last year. The more surprising retirements came just five weeks before the start of England's title defence. It began with Mary Earps making the shock decision to end her international career, as Telegraph Sport exclusively revealed, after being told she would be the second-choice goalkeeper, behind Hannah Hampton, at the Euros. Earps was part of the Euros-winning squad but was arguably more prominent during the Lionesses' run to the World Cup final in 2023. Her campaign to get Nike to sell her goalkeeper shirt coupled with her performances, which included saving a penalty in the final before screaming the words 'f--- off', made her so popular that she went on to win BBC Sports Personality of the Year. Fran Kirby was next to retire. The forward was told she would not be part of the 23-player squad for the tournament and announced her retirement in the aftermath of England's Nations League defeat in Spain. Less than 24 hours later, Millie Bright became the third withdrawal, though the Chelsea captain has not yet decided whether to retire from international football. Bright had withdrawn from the squad for the Nations League fixtures in May and June, citing mental and physical fatigue. Wiegman had hoped she would be available for the Euros but Bright said she was not able to give 100 per cent. The sudden loss of Earps, Kirby and Bright threw England's preparations into chaos. But the dust has somewhat settled in the last fortnight and Wiegman insisted there was 'no crisis' after naming her squad. Goal threat is key strength England's biggest asset when they won the Euros was their quality in front of goal. They scored 22 across the tournament – a record – and even thrashed Norway 8-0 in the group stage. But goals were slightly harder to come by at the World Cup a year later, with 13 scored in seven games, and subsequent Nations League campaigns have been hit and miss. Still, it is undeniable the Lionesses have the most depth and talent up front. Lauren James, who was a standout player at the 2023 World Cup despite her red card in the quarter-final, has returned from injury. She can be England's best player on her day, but she is not the only exciting member of this squad. Russo jointly won the golden boot with 12 goals in the Women's Super League last season while back-up striker Aggie Beever-Jones was not far behind with nine. The Lionesses also have Mead, Hemp and Kelly to call on while Toone and Grace Clinton can weigh in with goals from midfield. Michelle Agyemang, who scored 41 seconds into her England debut, is also in the squad as a wildcard option. Problem position in defence England had the meanest defence at both Euro 2022 and the 2023 World Cup, with Earps winning the golden glove at both tournaments. But the Lionesses have not looked as solid at the back in the past two years. The left-back position has been a problem area with no player having managed to nail down a regular starting spot. It is likely that Williamson will play alongside Alex Greenwood at centre-back, with Niamh Charles and Jess Carter set to battle it out for the left-back role. Charles plays there for Chelsea but was not a regular starter last season while Carter is primarily a centre-back, her position at the World Cup. Greenwood is the only left-footed defender in the squad and can play there, but Wiegman tends to prefer her in her more natural position. England's other issue is they can often be left exposed when they lose the ball higher up the pitch. Bronze likes to rush forward but there is not always cover behind her, which was the case when the Lionesses conceded against Spain in the World Cup final. At that tournament, Wiegman changed to a 3-5-2 formation and there is an argument that England would be suited to that style of play now. An extra centre-back would help alleviate the issues they face when Bronze gets forward and the weakness at left-back. Wiegman has not tried that formation since she fielded a vastly inexperienced team in a friendly against Switzerland in December but will no doubt have something up her sleeve if her tried-and-tested 4-3-3 is not working. Spain pose biggest threat Spain are most people's favourites heading into this tournament and it would be no surprise were they to reach the latter stages. Should England and Spain both top their groups and progress, they could end up meeting in the semi-finals. Germany, who were runners-up in 2022, are also contenders and will be keen for a better showing than their group-stage exit from the World Cup. Norway and France have continually disappointed on the big stage but could mount a challenge. France are in England's group and have an array of attacking talent while Norway's pool and route to the semi-finals is favourable.
Scottish Sun
21 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Palmeiras 1 Chelsea 2: Palmer stunner fires Blues into CWC semi-finals as new boy Estevao shows Maresca what he's got
Palmer ended up having a somewhat secret chat with his soon-to-be Blues team-mate MARCHING ON Palmeiras 1 Chelsea 2: Palmer stunner fires Blues into CWC semi-finals as new boy Estevao shows Maresca what he's got Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ENZO MARESCA can look forward to a glittering future with his two superstars next season. A stunning strike from Cole Palmer and an equally classy equaliser from imminent arrival Estevao Willian have the Chelsea manager beaming. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Chelsea are through to the Club World Cup semis thanks to a 2-1 win over Palmeiras Credit: Reuters 6 Cole Oalmer opened the scoring with yet another stunning addition to his season's haul Credit: AFP 6 Imminent Blues new boy Estevao Willian drew Palmeiras level with a beautiful finish Credit: AFP 6 Estevao cut a dejected figure after the final whistle as Palmeiras were dumped out thanks to an own goal from Agustin Giay Credit: AFP But never underestimate the value of a scruffy own goal because that is what saved Maresca's skin and put Chelsea within touching distance of a much-needed £97 million windfall. And boy, do they need that cash as they pack up and head for New Jersey and the Club World Cup semi-final. Having been fined £31 million by UEFA for spending breaches hours before kick off, this B-list tournament played in the middle of the night for everyone back home has suddenly taken on much more importance. Chelsea will bank around double that for reaching Tuesday's last-four meeting with Brazilians Fluminense. READ MORE ON CHELSEA Blue feeling Chelsea handed HUGE Uefa fine with Premier League rivals also punished But in pure football terms, head coach Maresca has emerged as the real winner. He watched Palmer turn on the magic in the first half to put his team ahead with a goal of pure instinctive brilliance. And while it was temporarily painful, there is no doubt the Italian will be licking his lips after watching new signing Estevao set up a dramatic finale with a leveller of ruthless quality as he said goodbye to his current club. It could be the perfect marriage of Manchester and the Maracana as England's Palmer and his soon-to-be new teammate signalled how much more dashing they will be up front next term. WATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZN 6 Soon-to-be team-mates Cole Palmer and Estevao Willian had some words with one another Credit: AFP Even more so when striker Joao Pedro came off the bench and looked immediately at home at Chelsea after a £60m move from Brighton. Maresca said: 'I am happy because we won and also happy because Estevao scored, the perfect night. Cole Palmer stars in brilliant advert as he sets up helpline for rivals he has skinned 'You can see he is a huge talent. You can see is a fantastic player. "The only thing now is when you come from South America or another part of the world to Europe you need to adapt. 'We are going to help him to adapt and first of all to enjoy football. "We don't have any doubt, as he is so good, that he is going to be an important player for Chelsea.' Maresca and his team march on deep into this tournament despite a few hairy moments. Estevao, 18, has been hyped up like the new Pele in recent weeks as these two teams have drawn closer to last night's meeting. There is no doubt he is uber-talented. He also possesses the ability to wind up opponents like a flashy youth over-revving a souped up Ford Capri. Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella went out of his way ahead of the game to say how he would make the youngster feel wanted. None of us thought it would be quite in the way he did, with the battle-hardened left back taking a dislike to Estevao's showboating step-overs and late lunge on defender Levi Colwill. For that, he got wiped out by Chelsea captain Enzo Fernandez and was then left in a heap after tangling with Cucurella. Welcome to English football, my son. Although Willian would later leave a mark on Chelsea with his quality goal in the second half. I am moving on and I thank Palmeiras for everything. Willian Estevao The teenager was named man of the match and said: 'I'm very happy I could score a goal to help my club. "Unfortunately, this wasn't the result we wanted, but we gave our best on the pitch and now "I am moving on and I thank Palmeiras for everything.' Palmer stepped out of the shadows with a flash of brilliance that put Chelsea ahead on 16 minutes with his first goal at the Club World Cup. With his back to goal, he picked up a grass level through ball from Trevoh Chalobah, swivelled to his right, rolling centre half Micael, before slotting the ball in with the deftest poke of his left foot. The ball never travelled faster than 14mph en route to the back of the net - an indication of how precise this boy can be when he is in the mood to shine. 6 Blues boss Enzo Maresca will be looking forward to the imminent addition of Estevao Willian to his squad Credit: Getty This replay of the 2022 Club World Cup final belonged to the Premier League side as it did three years ago, but only just. It began with a poorly observed moment's silence in honour of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota's death, with emotional Chelsea winger Pedro Neto holding what looked like a shirt with his friend's name on it in tribute. It ended with frenetic football and Malo Gusto - a full-back having a hard time at present, subbed at half time in last month's Conference League final, playing a vital role in sending Chelsea through. The Frenchman picked up a pass from Fernandez as he darted into the box and tried to cross. The ball spun off Palmeiras defender Agustin Giay and past the keeper to put Chelsea seven minutes from time. And now it's Maresca and his band off to New Jersey - Bruce Springsteen country. Glory Days are just around the corner.
