Big money signing Declan Rice made his first Arsenal appearance as his new side opened their US tour by comprehensively beating Wayne Rooney’s MLS All-Stars.
The 24-year-old midfielder completed his £105million switch from West Ham on Saturday and just four days later made his bow 3,660 miles away from the Emirates Stadium.
Rice was introduced as a second half substitute in Washington DC as Arsenal swept aside the Rooney-managed MLS All-Stars 5-0 in sweltering conditions.
Gabriel Jesus’ audacious clipped effort gave the Gunners an early lead that Leandro Trossard added to with a lasered effort from the edge of the box.
Jorginho’s penalty, a fine Gabriel Martinelli finish and Kai Havertz’s first goal in an Arsenal shirt completed the win on a night when new boys Jurrien Timber and Rice made their first appearance for the club.
There was a hearty Arsenal contingent at Audi Field, where director Josh Kroenke received a warm cheer before Rooney, the Manchester United and England great, was jeered.
The Gunners supporters in attendance only had to wait five minutes before celebrating a moment of magic.
The All-Stars appeared to have stopped a dangerous attack, only for Jesus to meet a loose ball with an audacious clipped effort from the edge of the box that curled in off the far post.
Rooney’s side responded with determination but were unable to unlock the visitors, who extended their lead midway through the first half.
Bukayo Saka was sent behind down the right and passed across to Trossard, who cut away from his man and scored a thumping right-footed drive from 22 yards.
Arsenal’s opening goalscorers nearly combined for a third soon after but Jesus could only head Trossard’s deep cross into the side netting.
Impressive Trossard sent a free-kick just wide before an opening period that somehow featured five bookings was called to an end.
Within seconds of the restart a Tim Parker handball gave Arsenal the chance to score a third.
Jorginho scored the resulting spot-kick and the Gunners will be hoping Trossard avoided any major issue after limping off in the 55th minute.
Referee Ted Unkel did not award another Arsenal penalty despite the VAR advising him to review a decision, instead indicating for the visitors to make their planned substitutions.
Timber came on for his first appearance and Rice received the biggest cheer.
Arsenal continued to control proceedings and Martinelli coolly struck home in the 84th minute after being played in by an excellent Martin Odegaard pass.
Havertz completed the one-sided victory when controlling and finishing from close range in the 89th minute.
FIFA has confirmed the Women’s World Cup opener in Auckland will “proceed as planned” after a shooting in the city’s central business district on Thursday morning left three people dead.
Co-hosts New Zealand are set to play Norway at Eden Park this evening with kick-off scheduled for 08.00 BST.
New Zealand Police said they have contained what they believe was an “isolated incident” and “not a national security risk”.
A FIFA statement revealed the decision was made to move forward with the match after consulting with New Zealand authorities and the participating teams, who have both confirmed players and staff are safe.
The FIFA release read: “FIFA extends its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives following the incident which occurred this morning in Auckland/Tamaki Makaurau, Aotearoa New Zealand, and our thoughts and prayers remain with those who have been injured in this tragic incident.
“Immediately following the incident, President Gianni Infantino and FIFA Secretary-General Fatma Samoura were in communication with the Aotearoa New Zealand authorities. FIFA has also been in constant contact with the participating teams affected by this incident.
“FIFA has been informed that this was an isolated incident that was not related to football operations and the opening match tonight at Eden Park will proceed as planned.
“The opening hours of the FIFA Fan Festival in Auckland/Tamaki Makaurau city centre will be confirmed in due course. The participating teams in close proximity to this incident are being supported in relation to any impact that may have taken place.”
New Zealand Police on Thursday morning shared via their official Twitter account that in addition to the three deceased – among them the person they believe to be the male offender – an officer and four members of the public were injured in the incident which took place at a building under construction in the lower Queen Street area.
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins also addressed the match, telling a press conference: “Clearly with the FIFA World Cup kicking off this evening there are a lot of eyes on Auckland, the government has spoken to FIFA organisers this morning and the tournament will proceed as planned.
“Aucklanders and those watching around the world can be assured that the police have neutralised the threat and they are not seeking anybody else in relation to the incident.
“New Zealanders safety and the safety of our visitors is our first priority.
“We have been in regular contact with FIFA, they are proceeding as planned, there will be an increased police presence obviously around Auckland to provide public reassurance, but the police have indicated that they don’t think there is an ongoing security or safety risk.”
Both teams involved in tonight’s contest have assured the public that their players and staff are safe.
Norway’s team hotel is located about 300-400m from where the shooting took place, but a team spokesperson told the PA news agency that everything is calm in the Norwegian squad and preparations for the match are proceeding as normal.
Captain Maren Mjelde, through a statement, said: “Being informed about the consequences, the Norwegian team’s thoughts are with those affected and their families.
“Everyone probably woke up quite quickly when the helicopter hovered outside our hotel window and a large number of emergency vehicles arrived.
“At first we didn’t know what was going on, but eventually there were updates on TV and the local media. We felt safe the whole time. FIFA has a good security system at the hotel and we have our own security officer in the squad.
“Everyone seems calm and we are preparing as normal for the game tonight, then we may have to adapt if there are any instructions from the authorities.”
New Zealand Football tweeted: “New Zealand Football are shocked by the incident in Auckland CBD this morning.
“We can confirm that all of the Football Ferns team and staff are safe but we will not be able to comment further while details are still emerging.
“Please refer to New Zealand Police for further information. Preparations for the game tonight at Eden Park will continue as planned.”
The United States women’s national team, who are also based in New Zealand, responded in a tweet posted to their official account, saying: “US Soccer extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims who were killed in the shooting in downtown Auckland today.
“We are saddened by the inexcusable loss of life to gun violence and our thoughts are with the people of Auckland/Tamaki Makaurau and Aotearoa New Zealand.”
A previous US tweet read: “Regarding the incident in downtown Auckland, all of our USWNT players and staff are accounted for and safe. Our security team is in communication with local authorities and we are proceeding with our daily schedule.”
The Philippine Women’s National Team also confirmed via social media that all members of their delegation were safe.
An Eden Park statement read: “Eden Park Trust extends its deepest condolences to the Whanau of the victims in the incident which took place in Auckland’s CBD this morning. It is a sad day for Auckland on what should be a day of celebration.
“Eden Park has been working with all relevant agencies regarding this morning’s incident and the impact on services and staffing.”
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley said sitting out the 2023 season is among his options after he failed to reach a long-term deal with the team.
The star running back and the Giants failed to reach a new contract on Monday, meaning Barkley will earn $10.1 million this season on a fully guaranteed one-year deal without the long-term security of a multi-year pact.
In an interview on a podcast that was recorded before Monday’s deadline, Barkley discussed the negotiations for players on a franchise tag to reach a new multi-year deal with terms. He used an expletive several times in noting a holdout would thumb his nose at the Giants and his teammates and show them his true value.
“Anybody who knows me knows that’s not something I want to do,” Barkley said. “But is it something that crossed my mind, I never thought I would ever do that. But now I’m at a point where it’s like, ‘Jesus, I might have to take it to this level. Am I prepared and willing to take it to the level. I don’t know. That’s something I gotta sit down. I gotta sit down and talk to my family. I gotta sit down and talk to my team, gotta really strategise about this. Can’t just go off emotions.”
Barkley totalled a career-high 1,312 rushing yards last season, the fourth-most in the NFL and the most by a Giants player since Tiki Barber’s 1,662 yards in 2006.
The two-time Pro Bowler has rushed for 4,249 yards and 29 touchdowns in 60 games with the Giants since he was the second overall pick out of Penn State in 2018.
An increased police presence will be seen around Auckland as the Women’s World Cup gets underway after a shooting at a construction site in the city left three people dead.
New Zealand Police reported that a gunman had killed two people before he died and there were also multiple injuries during the incident, which came just hours before co-hosts New Zealand were due to kick off the tournament against Norway at Eden Park.
Addressing media in New Zealand on Thursday morning, New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said: “Clearly with the FIFA World Cup kicking off this evening there are a lot of eyes on Auckland.
“The government has spoken to FIFA organisers this morning and the tournament will proceed as planned.
“Aucklanders and those watching around the world can be assured that the police have neutralised the threat and they are not seeking anybody else in relation to the incident.
“New Zealanders’ safety and the safety of our visitors is our first priority.
“There will be an increased police presence obviously around Auckland to provide public reassurance, but the police have indicated that they don’t think there is an ongoing security or safety risk.”
In the wake of the incident, New Zealand Football tweeted: “New Zealand Football are shocked by the incident in Auckland CBD this morning.
“We can confirm that all of the Football Ferns team and staff are safe but we will not be able to comment further while details are still emerging.
“Please refer to New Zealand Police for further information. Preparations for the game tonight at Eden Park will continue as planned.”
The US Women’s Team also confirmed the safety of its players and staff.
The US Soccer Comms Account tweeted: “Regarding the incident in downtown Auckland, all of our USWNT players and staff are accounted for and safe.
“Our security team is in communication with local authorities and we are proceeding with our daily schedule.”
New Zealand Police earlier wrote on Twitter: “Police have contained a serious incident that unfolded at a construction site in Auckland’s CBD this morning.
“Multiple injuries have been reported and at this stage we can confirm two people have died. The male offender is also deceased. Police are now commencing an investigation into what has occurred this morning.
“Cordons remain in place and we are continuing to ask the public to stay away from the area as our work continues.”
KFC has taken their partnership with Khadija “Bunny” Shaw to a whole new level, spicing up their collaboration for even greater impact.
The quick service food giant launched an exciting new ‘KFC Big Deal’ campaign earlier this week featuring the country’s all-time top goalscorer, on the eve of the start of the FIFA Women’s World Cup which will feature Shaw and Reggae Girlz making their historic second-consecutive appearance.
According ROJ Brand Manager Andrei Roper, this project symbolises phase two of KFC Jamaica’s brand partnership with Shaw.
“As we dive into phase two of our incredible partnership with Khadija “Bunny” Shaw with our new ‘Big Deal’ campaign, we’re filled with immense pride and excitement. From the first moment we signed her as an ambassador before the FIFA Men’s World Cup last November, we knew we had on our team, a true champion who perfectly aligns with the spirit of KFC. We are glad to embark on this new chapter with Shaw as we stand by her and the inspiring Reggae Girlz, united in the pursuit of greatness on the world stage,” Roper said.
Shaw also expressed delight with the extended partnership.
“The brand partnership has been great! Being part of KFC’s team has been really fun and it’s amazing to see a brand like KFC invest and support women’s football in Jamaica. I’m grateful for their support so far and I’m looking forward to seeing us continue to grow and develop together. It has already been a journey filled with a shared passion for women’s football in Jamaica and the next phase is a big opportunity to support and grow the game in our country. We’re seeing the game grow globally and Jamaica has a key role to play on and off the pitch.”
The campaign will be in full effect just in time for the FIFA Women’s World Cup and running throughout the entirety of the Women’s World Cup, as Shaw attracts the support and attention of many in this year’s tournament.
KFC is also proud to recognise her outstanding achievements over the past year - competing in 22 matches in the Women’s Super League (WSL) with Manchester City, scoring 20 goals with 7 assists, while collecting numerous accolades including her club’s Player of the Season, multiple WSL Player of the Month trophies, and the CONCACAF Women’s Player of the Year award.
Shaw says the team is looking forward to representing Jamaica on the biggest stage.
“It’s a huge moment for us, to represent our country, to play for our families and represent ourselves on such a huge stage is an exciting moment for all of us. We will make sure to do our best on the pitch, but we’re also going to need everyone’s support back home,” she asserted.
KFC recently expanded their commitment to women’s football through their $7 Million sponsorship of the Reggae Girlz last month. As main broadcast sponsors of the Women’s World Cup in the country, KFC has promised Jamaicans extensive coverage of the competition on a free to air station.
Liverpool have agreed a deal worth £12million plus add-ons to sell Jordan Henderson to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq, the PA news agency understands.
The 33-year-old is believed to have reached a verbal agreement with the club – who are now managed by former Anfield team-mate Steven Gerrard – over a reported wage of £700,000 a week.
The Reds captain has been in Germany with the team on their pre-season tour but was left out of Jurgen Klopp’s squad to face Karlsruhe in their first friendly on Wednesday.
He has made 491 appearances since signing for Liverpool from Sunderland for £20m in 2011 and skippered the side to the Premier League title and the Champions League.
He has also won the FA Cup and two League Cups.
Last week the England LGBT+ supporters group criticised Henderson as rumours of a move to Saudi Arabia circulated, with the midfielder having been a vocal ally of the LGBT+ community in football.
He wore rainbow laces during England’s run to the Euro 2020 final and has repeatedly voiced his support for greater inclusivity in the game.
Homosexuality is illegal and punishable by death in the Gulf state.
A statement from the group read: “Our joy for Mr Henderson when he scored against Ukraine in the Euros (quarter-final) was, in part, due to his kindness and his ‘lucky’ rainbow laces.
“A banner was created to commemorate the low bar he had achieved in being outspoken on our right to support England & show visibility on the pitch.
“If the rumours are true, then that banner will be consigned to the depths of history.”
Inter Milan have announced the signing of former Juventus winger Juan Cuadrado.
The 35-year-old has joined Inter on a one-year deal after arriving at the San Siro on a free transfer.
Cuadrado was a free agent following the end of his Juventus contract this summer, after a successful spell at the club in which he won 11 trophies in eight years.
Cuadrado has also had spells in Italy with Udinese, Lecce and Fiorentina and made the move to Juve in 2017 permanent following a two-year loan spell from Chelsea.
“I’m delighted and would like to thank God for this opportunity. For me, it’s an honour to be here at one of the biggest teams in Europe. I’m happy,” Cuadrado told the Inter website.
“I had many offers, but Italy is a second home for me. My family is very attached to this country, and there was the opportunity to stay here and play for a big team with a fantastic history.
“I chose Inter because we all know what they represent on a global level. The important thing is for my family and I to feel good. We had the opportunity to remain in a place that, for us, is home. It’ll definitely be the best choice.”
Manchester City have accepted a bid worth up to £30million for Riyad Mahrez from Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli, the PA news agency understands.
The Algeria international has consequently been given permission to miss the treble winners’ pre-season tour of Asia.
Mahrez, 32, is now set to discuss terms ahead of a potential move to the Jeddah-based Saudi Pro League outfit. Reports have suggested he has been offered a three-year contract.
The former Leicester winger was not included in the 25-man City squad due to leave for Japan and South Korea on Wednesday.
Mahrez had two years remaining on a contract which he extended last summer but had reportedly been frustrated with a lack of game time in the treble-winning 2022-23 campaign.
Mahrez made just 22 Premier League starts last term and was an unused substitute in the finals of both the FA Cup and Champions League.
He joined City in a £60million deal from Leicester in 2018 having helped the Foxes to win the Premier League two years previously. He went on to win the title four more times with Pep Guardiola’s side.
Donny van de Beek celebrated a “big moment” after the Manchester United midfielder returned from a long-term knee injury to score the winner in a 1-0 pre-season victory over Lyon at Murrayfield.
The Netherlands international had not played since suffering a knee problem in United’s win at Bournemouth on January 3.
He has struggled to establish himself since arriving at Old Trafford from Ajax, where he played under United boss Erik ten Hag, in the summer of 2020 and has been linked with a move away from the Red Devils this summer.
“It was great. My first game after six months. I don’t have to tell you after such an injury, such a mentally difficult period for me and my family, to be back on the pitch was great and it is nice if you score a goal,” Van de Beek told MUTV.
“It is amazing because I have been looking forward to this moment for months. I know it is just a friendly game but for me it is a big moment.”
United started brightly with three big chances inside five minutes, with Antony denied by Anthony Lopes before Amad Diallo dragged a shot wide and had another parried away by the Lyon goalkeeper.
Van de Beek was one of 11 changes made at half-time and his goal came just four minutes later as he latched on to youngster Dan Gore’s chipped cross from the right to volley first time into the top corner.
Jonny Evans played the second half for United having returned to the club on a short-term deal.
The 35-year-old academy graduate, who won three Premier League titles and the Champions League at Old Trafford before leaving in 2015, will join the squad on their pre-season tour of the USA.
“He came to train with us, to work on his fitness and not all the players are in – internationals are out, still having their break – so I thought it was a good idea to help each other out,” Ten Hag said. “Jonny can work on his fitness and he can help us out.
“The level, we know he is a really experienced player but also a very good person, a big personality and I think he has big authority as well. He will help the young players especially. It is a benefit for both sides.”
After the match, Ten Hag added: “You can see he is a fine character, he is a leader. He understands football. He really contributed to the good performance of the team in the second half.”
Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has told both Harry Maguire and Mason Greenwood to leave Old Trafford.
Maguire was stripped of the captaincy last week in seemingly another move by manager Erik ten Hag that shows the England defender is not central to his set-up moving forward.
The 30-year-old started just eight Premier League games last season and may feel he needs to land a move away from United if he is to stay at the forefront of Gareth Southgate’s plans ahead of Euro 2024.
West Ham have reportedly shown an interest in signing Maguire, with Rooney of the belief the ex-Leicester player should consider calling time on his days at United, telling The Athletic: “To have the armband taken off you, how does he move forward with the club?
“That shows the manager really doesn’t believe in him. It leaves Harry in a position where he has to think on what he does moving forward.
“The manager has shown he is not part of the plans. I’m sure Harry will want to go and play – for himself, for his England career – to put himself in the best position to be as successful as he can. The best thing now is probably for him to move.”
Greenwood’s situation is very different to Maguire’s – the 21-year-old still unable to play as an internal investigation is carried out.
The Crown Prosecution Service ended its case against Greenwood for attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour but his future as a footballer – especially at United – remains in doubt.
“It leaves Mason Greenwood in a position where he is stuck,” Rooney said of the one-cap England forward.
“So for Mason, it’s a bad position to be in because I’m sure he just wants to play football. But for the club, its image and ensuring they make the right decisions, it’s almost a catch-22. I think the best thing for Mason now is to get out of the club and go and develop somewhere else.
“He needs to get back playing because it has been a long time – it’s probably got to a place now where Mason just needs to go and play and to try and get his career back on track.”
Tottenham’s new Fan Advisory Board has unanimously stated its opposition to the club’s plan to increase match-day ticket prices for the 2023-24 season.
Spurs announced in April that season-ticket prices would be frozen for the forthcoming campaign, the second year in a row they had kept prices the same with the cost-of-living crisis cited as a reason behind the decision.
However, earlier this month the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust was informed about an increase in match-day tickets, while there is now set to be six Category A fixtures – the most expensive ticket – with Newcastle bumped up from Category B.
THST described the increase as “excessive” and expressed its frustration over a lack of dialogue with the club, which has been echoed by Spurs’ FAB members.
The 10 FAB members, which include Stephen Cavalier of THST and Proud Lilywhites’ co-chair Chris Paouros, met with Tottenham executive director Donna-Maria Cullen for the first time last Monday and expressed their objection to the match-day ticket prices.
“FAB members stated their opposition to the price increases,” the minutes from the first Tottenham FAB meeting read.
“SC (Stephen Cavalier) felt there should have been consultation with the Trust and discussion with the FAB before any decision.
“SC believed there should have been more transparency making clear that prices were increasing, a point supported by CP (Chris Paouros).
“The club had briefed the Trust ahead of the announcement and had responded publicly to media enquiries.
“CP felt that the club’s approach on this issue had not been fan-centric, something the FAB is supposed to be, and that there is a significant risk to match-day atmosphere if fans aren’t able to attend matches regularly due to the cost of tickets.
“CP also explained that a number of Proud Lilywhites members had contacted them to say they would now be priced out of attending matches.”
Jamaica's Reggae Girlz takes the spotlight in our Fifa Women's World Cup build-up feature today. The Jamaicans will be making a second-consecutive appearance at the global showpiece set to get under way on July 20 and end August 20 in Australia and New Zealand.
Overview
They are no longer the only Caribbean team to qualify for the Women’s World Cup, but Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz will be the first from the region to make a second-consecutive appearance at the finals. Ranked No 43 in the world, they are a much more formidable group than that of 2019 and the squad features several US- and England-born players with Jamaican heritage that were not a part of the team which made a historic appearance in France.
The squad is similar to the one that competed in the qualifiers, winning all but two games – a 5-0 group stage loss to the United States and a 3-0 semi-final loss to Canada – at the Concacaf Women’s Championship in Mexico. During that tournament, Jamaica registered a 1-0 win over the host nation and also bettered Haiti 4-0 and Costa Rica 1-0 on their way to a third-place finish.
In total, the Jamaicans scored 30 goals and conceded 10 between the first phase of qualifying and the Concacaf championship and were again led by the talismanic striker Khadija “Bunny” Shaw, who ended the qualifiers with 12 goals.
Since then, the head coach Lorne Donaldson has brought in a few young prospects in 19-year-old goalkeeper Liya Brooks, 18-year-old Solai Washington, 19-year-old Kameron Simmonds and 22-year-old Peyton McNamara, all of whom impressed in the lead-up to the World Cup.
Jamaica have always banked on their speed and athleticism to open up opposing defences, particularly from the wide areas and it will certainly be more of the same in Australia and New Zealand, especially with the addition of fleet-footed players Washington, Simmonds and Kalyssa van Zanten, who can be lethal from the bench.
Still, Shaw, as always, will be the focal point in the attack and, much like she did at the 2019 showpiece when she assisted Havana Solaun to score a historic first goal against Australia, she could make a difference against their more illustrious Group F opponents if is she is able to get on the ball close enough to goal.
The defence has not always been the team’s strong point and while Donaldson and his assistants have done their best to beef up the backline, it basically remains the same as that of 2019, with the exception of Tottenham goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer and right-back Tiernny Wiltshire. Strong performances can be expected from the former captain Konya Plummer, who recently returned from maternity leave, but is looking raring to go. Much is also expected of her fellow defender Allyson Swaby, who is strong in the air and resolute on the ground.
Without doubt Jamaica remain one of the biggest underdogs at the World Cup, but they are certainly not going to the tournament accepting defeat, especially with the 2019 experience now under their belts.
The coach
Lorne Donaldson was born and raised in Jamaica where he started his playing career at Kingston College and Cavalier FC, before moving to the United States where he entered Metropolitan State University of Denver (he was inducted into MSU Denver’s Hall of Fame in 1995). He went on to play for the Denver Kickers, where he won the 1983 National Amateur Cup, and Jamaica.
He later started his coaching career as an assistant at Metro State Roadrunners in 1983 and has not looked back since, managing Colorado Foxes, Colorado Rapids and Real Colorado Foxes, along the way.
Donaldson was introduced to the national women’s programme on the recommendation of ambassador for Jamaican women’s football Cedella Marley in 2014, along with previous head coach Hue Menzies and the two guided the Reggae Girlz to their historic qualification in 2019.
Both later left the programme for various reasons that involved the Jamaica Football Federation, but Donaldson expressed a willingness to return provided the conditions were different.
In July last year, he replaced Vinimore “Vin” Blaine at the helm, a few weeks ahead of the crucial Concacaf Championship, after the players released a letter expressing dissatisfaction with Blaine’s leadership.
Star player
The Guardian’s first female Footballer of the Year in 2018, the first player from the Caribbean to win the Concacaf Player of the Year Award in 2022, and Jamaica’s all-time leading scorer with 56 goals, Khadija “Bunny” Shaw’s career is one of bumps, bruises and of course, tremendous success.
The 6ft striker’s physicality and speed of thought had set her up for a dazzling career from a young age – aged 14 she played for Jamaica’s under-15, under-17 and under-20 teams. She made her debut for the senior side on 23 August 2015, scoring once in a 6-0 win over the Dominican Republic. She has lost siblings to violence and accidents but used those tragedies to fuel her passion for football.
During the 2019 World Cup in France, Shaw signed a two-year contract with FC Bordeaux and ended her second league season with 22 goals and seven assists in 20 matches, winning the top goalscorer award. She then joined Manchester City where the now 26-year-old continues to show her class, scoring 31 goals in 30 games last season and being named the club's player of the year.
Rising star
At 18 years old, the US-born midfielder Solai Washington is the youngest member of the squad and is one of the up-and-coming players to look out for at the World Cup. Still in high school going into her senior year, Washington first joined the setup at a camp in Florida this year and hasn’t looked back. She possesses great ability and works hard on and off the ball in a manner that belies her age.
Did you know?
Thirteen of Jamaica’s 23-member squad will be making their first World Cup appearances. That number includes the five England-born players – Rebecca Spencer, Vyan Sampson, Atlanta Primus, Drew Spence and Paige Bailey-Gayle. Also of note is that Cheyna Matthews, like she did in 2019, has returned shortly after giving birth to make the World Cup squad.
Standing of women’s football in Jamaica
Women’s football in Jamaica came to life in 1991 when the Reggae Girlz played their first international match against Haiti, losing 1-0. Since then, they have become one of the top teams in the region, and currently boast their second highest ever Fifa ranking at 43. They achieved their highest ever ranking at 42 last year.
There have been bumps on the road, however, and in 2010 the women’s programme as well as the women’s Olympic programme were disbanded by the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF). At that point, they were at their lowest ranking of 128 but the country was later removed from Fifa’s world rankings after three years of inactivity.
The programme was restarted in 2014 with the support of Cedella Marley, the daughter of the late Bob Marley. Marley’s robust fundraising efforts eventually helped the Reggae Girlz achieve their historic World Cup qualification.
Realistic goal at the World Cup
While it seems a daunting task for Jamaica to get out of Group F and into the last 16, they are expected to prove more competitive than they did in 2019 and the collective goal is to at least take points off one of France or Brazil. If they can do that, confidence is high that they will get the better of Panama in their final group game. So, the realistic aim for the team known for its stubborn determination and passion is to prove their doubters wrong by getting beyond the group stage.
Jamaica's Reggae Girlz takes the spotlight in our Fifa Women's World Cup build-up feature today. The Jamaicans will be making a second-consecutive appearance at the global showpiece set to get under way on July 20 and end August 20 in Australia and New Zealand.
Goalkeepers
Name: Rebecca Spencer
Date of Birth: 22 February 1991
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Tottenham Hotspur
Profile: Born in England, Spencer had a nomadic start to her career before settling at her current employers, Tottenham Hotspur. Capped by England at Under-19 and Under-20 levels, she also received a call-up to the senior England squad in 2016 but was an unused substitute against Estonia. She qualified for Jamaica through her father and made her debut in June 2021, wasting little time in establishing herself as the Reggae Girlz No 1. She was instrumental in Jamaica’s second-consecutive World Cup qualification, showing off her goalkeeping skills with much gusto, particularly at the Concacaf Women’s Championship in Mexico. Now set to make her first World Cup appearance, Spencer has no qualms in admitting that she is at a ripe age in her career, which is why she is intent on making the most of this opportunity. "I want to have the best competition of my life,” she says. “I'm 32, so I'm not getting any younger. But you know, nothing really phases me in any situation. I have a lot of experience playing in England, so I hope I can bring that to the World Cup.”
Name: Sydney Schneider
Date of Birth: 31 August 1999
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Sparta Prague
Profile: Born in the United States in a multicultural family, Schneider could have represented her home country or Germany, the birthplace of her biological father. Instead, she opted to represent her maternal grandparents’ homeland, Jamaica. After impressing as a youth player, Schneider became first choice at senior level and pulled off some key saves on the way to their historic World Cup qualification in 2019. At that World tournament in France, Schneider, standing close to 1.82m tall aged 19, was again prominent and pulled off a stunning penalty save in their opening game against Brazil, though they inevitably lost 3-0. Now older and wiser, Schneider is ready to perform at her second World Cup but it is unlikely that she will be first choice with Spencer now in the squad.
Name: Liya Brooks
Date of Birth: 17 May 2005
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Washington State University
At only 18, Liya Brooks caught the attention of Lorne Donaldson and his assistants during the tour of South Korea in September last year. The US-born player, who earned her Jamaica stripes through her mother, showed incredible ability at the Under-17 and Under-20 tournaments and it was little surprise that she quickly made the step up to the senior squad. Brooks is aware that she is merely the understudy to Spencer and Schneider and, as such, is aiming to learn as much as she can from her first World Cup. “Becky and Syd are amazing players, they inspire and push me to be better, so I just want what is best for the team,” she says. “Yes, I will fight for a spot in the starting team, but if that doesn’t happen then that is OK – I just want to make the most of the experience,” she told Sportsmax.tv.
Defenders
Name: Allyson Swaby
Date of Birth: 3 October 1996
Position: Central defence
Club: Angel City FC
Born in Connecticut to Jamaican parents, she has been a rock in defence since making her debut in 2018. Instrumental in the team’s qualification for the 2019 World Cup in France where she shared the pitch with her sister Chantelle. Swaby shows a preference for direct, vertical football, getting the ball forwards quickly. She is a skilled defender in aerial duels and can often be tasked with man-marking by her team, owing to her athleticism and strength. It is those attributes that have earned her a move to Roma, where she played for three seasons, helping the club to their first major title when they beat Milan in the Coppa Italia final. She then returned to the US to represent Angel City FC, but was loaned out to Paris St-Germain for six months. Expect her experience to be on display in Australia and New Zealand.
Name: Chantelle Swaby
Date of Birth: 6 August 1998
Position: Central defence
Club: FC Fleury 91
Like her sister, Allyson, Chantelle came into the Jamaica setup in 2018 and has been a prominent figure for the Reggae Girlz since then. She initially joined as a midfielder but her versatility has allowed her to shine in other positions, particularly defence. In fact, it was at the 2019 World Cup in France that her true potential came to the fore when she was asked to play a holding midfield role and did so to great acclaim. Since then, she has been utilised as a centre-back, right-back and left-back. Chantelle, who currently plays in France for FC Fleury 91, after stints with Sky Blue FC and Rangers – where she scored four goals in seven appearances – will be a reliable asset for Jamaica in her second World Cup with her older sister by her side.
Name: Konya Plummer
Date of Birth: 2 August 1997
Club: Unattached
Position: Centre-back
Born and raised in St Mary, Jamaica, before she went overseas for university, Plummer represented her nation at all levels – Under-15, Under-17, Under-20 and now the senior team, which she has captained on numerous occasions, including at the 2019 World Cup. She played every minute of that tournament and even produced a few stunning solo runs. Apart from her aggression, Plummer’s speed is also a key asset, which is why the head coach, Lorne Donaldson, was sweating about her fitness on return from maternity leave. A lot of emphasis was placed on Plummer’s readiness, as she only resumed training late last year after giving birth to her son. “I think it is important for young girls and people around the world, but most importantly Jamaica, to see that you can have a family and still come back and play,” she says. Through hard work and stubborn determination, she erased all doubts about her fitness and hit competitive mode at the right time to return in defence.
Name: Vyan Sampson
Date of Birth: 2 July 1996
Position: Central defence/midfield
Club: Hearts
Born in London but with Jamaican heritage, she played as a youth at Charlton and Arsenal and later represented England at Under-17 and Under-19 levels. She continued her senior career at Arsenal, West Ham and London City Lionesses, before joining up with Jamaica following their World Cup qualification in 2019. Since then, Sampson, a calming influence at the back and as a holding midfielder, has made Scotland her home, where she plays for Hearts. Now in a happy place for both club and country, she can’t wait to make her World Cup debut. “This is probably the first time in my career that both club and country have matched up so well and taken care of me rather than just seeing me as a commodity,” she says. “I feel fully supported. We [Jamaica] are a small nation, but we don't fear anyone.”
Name: Tiernny Wiltshire
Date of Birth: 8 May 1998
Position: Right-back
Club: Unattached
Another player who can hold down multiple positions if required to do so. This US-born player initially joined the Reggae Girlz as an attacker in 2019 for the Olympic qualifiers and has played for Maccabi Emek Hefer in Israel, Finland’s Kuopio Palloseura and Houston Dash, as a forward. With Jamaica, however, she has excelled as a right-back and has made it her comfort zone heading into her first World Cup.
Name: Tiffany Cameron
Date of Birth: 16 October 1991
Position: Right-back
Club: Real Betis
One the most experienced players in the squad, the Canadian-born defender has represented clubs in her home country, the United States, Israel, Germany, Sweden and now Hungary. Cameron is a natural leader and despite being an attacker for most of her career, she embraced change and showed her versatility when it mattered most to secure her spot as a full-back in the World Cup squad. Cameron has enjoyed a fine season at FC Gyor, scoring 14 goals and making 10 assists. She dabbles in the music industry and has already released a few singles, including the Reggae Girlz’ official anthem at the 2019 World Cup. “'Our Time is Now' in France was so fun," she told fifa.com. "I had such a good time doing that, and my teammates loved it – a couple of them even got a bit teary-eyed. It all started when I was in school. I would write some rhymes back then and, believe me, they were terrible! I loved Missy Elliott, 50 Cent, Eminem, but Missy especially – the swagger she has is amazing.”
Name: Deneisha Blackwood
Date of Birth: 7 March 1997
Position: Left-back
Club: GPSO 92 Issy
A homegrown player who left Jamaica for university and has since blossomed on the international stage. Blackwood has been a feature in the senior team since her debut in 2018. She may be short in stature but what she lacks in height, Blackwood more than makes up for with her skills and determination. Quick, slippery and a hard worker with heart, she gives her all for the team. “I just want to support my teammates whether I'm on or off the field,” she says. “That has always been my biggest thing being a part of this Reggae Girlz setup, the way we play with and for each other – that is the most important thing."
Name: Sashana Campbell (Alternate player)
Date of Birth: 2 March 1991
Position: Left-back
Club: Medyk Konin
Nicknamed “Pete”, Campbell picked up an injury at the Concacaf Women's Championship in Mexico but reported fit and healthy for the recent camp and made the cut as an emergency alternative to play anywhere in defence if needed. A homegrown player with quality and experience that the head coach, Lorne Donaldson, really values. "She is a very versatile player, who can give us quality in any position between defence and attack,” he says.
Midfielders
Name: Peyton McNamara
Date of Birth: 22 February 2002
Position: Holding midfielder
Club: Ohio State
A US-born player, who first represented Jamaica at the Under-20 level and later transitioned to the senior setup, where she commanded the coaching staff’s attention in the buildup to the World Cup. She is among Concacaf’s budding young talents and the next generation of players expected to lead Jamaica’s charge, so the debut experience on the world stage will do her well.
Name: Havana Solaun
Date of Birth: 23 February 1993
Position: Central midfield
Club: Houston Dash
Born in Hong Kong to an Afro-Cuban father and a Jamaican mother, Solaun was originally eligible to play for the national teams of Hong Kong, the United States, Cuba or Jamaica. Though she represented the US at Under-17, Under-20 and Under-23 levels Solaun stuck with Jamaica after making her debut against Chile in 2019 and secured a spot in the squad for France 2019, where she scored Jamaica's first-ever goal in a Women's World Cup after coming on as a second-half substitute against Australia. A nippy attacker who loves to dribble, Solaun’s career has taken her around the world – she has played for clubs in the US, Norway, France and Cyprus and recently signed a two-year contract with Houston Dash. Fun fact: her first name is a tribute to her paternal grandparents’ birthplace and football was at one point her second choice. She was a talented tennis player and considered that as her preferred career before switching back to football.
Name: Drew Spence
Date of Birth: 23 October 1992
Position: Central midfield
Club: Tottenham Hotspur
Profile: Born in London, Spence is one of Jamaica’s most decorated players at club level. She was Chelsea’s longest-serving player, scoring 50 goals in 238 appearances between 2008 and 2022, a glittering period in which she won five WSL titles and four Women’s FA Cups before switching to Tottenham. Spence had a brief stint with England in 2015 but switched allegiance to Jamaica in 2021 and was instrumental in qualification for the World Cup. She is another player who is willing to adapt in whatever position Lorne Donaldson requires of her, but her knowledge, passion, vision and the fact that she is a calming influence makes her perfectly suited to midfield. “I’m very composed on the ball and I can break up play in midfield,” she told TottenhamHotspur.com. “I can score a few goals as well!”
Name: Atlanta Primus
Date of Birth: 21 April 1997
Position: Attacking midfielder
Club: London City Lionesses
Another player born in England who was integral in the qualification process. Primus, the daughter of former Reading and Portsmouth player Linvoy Primus, represented England at youth level before making her Jamaica debut in a friendly against Costa Rica in December 2021. She is a strong and fast midfielder, who is comfortable in possession and doesn’t mind showing her skills in one-on-one situations. “A big motivation for me is my family,” she says. “They support me and have sacrificed a lot – I wouldn’t be here without them.”
Name: Solai Washington
Date of Birth: 1 July 2005
Position: Central midfield
Club: Concorde Fire/Chamblee High
At 17, the US-born midfielder is the youngest member of the squad and is certainly one of the up-and-coming players to look out for at the World Cup. Still in high school going into her senior year, Washington first joined the setup at a camp in Florida earlier this year and hasn’t looked back since. She possesses great ability and works hard on and off the ball in a manner that belies her age. Heading to a first World Cup for her is a mixed bag of emotions as her older sister, Giselle, who was also a part of the pool for selection, was left out of the final 23. "My sister is disappointed because she loves Jamaica and the Reggae Girlz,” she says. “But she is also extremely excited for me and has been one of my biggest supporters throughout my journey.
Name: Trudi Carter
Date of Birth: 18 November 1994
Position: Attacking midfielder
Club: Unattached
Born and raised in the tough Southern St Andrew neighbourhood of Arnett Gardens in Kingston, Carter knew her talent could change her family's fortunes. “Sometimes my grandmother was sleeping and [gun] shots were flying through the window," she said in an interview when she was first called up to the Jamaica squad. "That was my motivation to take my family out of this community and football was the avenue to do that.” She represented Jamaica at Under-17 and Under-20 levels, before heading to the United States for university where her focus was firmly set on gaining a professional contract. Her nippy footwork and confidence on the ball drew the attention of Roma, where she spent one season before injuries derailed her progress. She fought long and hard to regain some semblance of form for the 2019 World Cup in France, but never really performed to her true potential until 2021. That was when she joined FC Gintra in Lithuania, scoring 17 goals in 16 appearances and she brought that form into the qualifiers where she scored five goals to help secure World Cup qualification.
Forwards
Name: Khadija Shaw
Date of Birth: 31 January 1997
Position: Centre-forward
Club: Manchester City
Jamaica’s most outstanding homegrown player, Shaw’s entire career has not only been dedicated to raising the bar where personal goals are concerned, but also about helping others achieve their goals. In 2018, when she was named The Guardian's Footballer of the Year, Shaw vowed to do everything in her power — both on and off the field — to inspire others, and to date she has done so with alacrity. Shaw's story is one of inspiration and her successes are a testament to her strong character. She lost four brothers – three to Jamaica's high rate of crime and violence and another to a vehicular accident – yet she has been a model of resilience and exemplary conduct throughout her glittering career. “I know they’re watching over me,” she told the Guardian. “When I accomplish something I’m always happy, but I’m thinking I wanted them to see this.”. Shaw is making waves at both club and national level. She recently won the Concacaf Women’s Player of the Year award and was named WSL Player of the Month twice last season. Her versatility is a game-changer. She can wreak havoc on the wing or dominate as a forward. She has already cemented her name in the record books as Jamaica's all-time leading goalscorer across both men's and women's football with 55 goals at time of publication.
Name: Jody Brown
Date of Birth: 16 April 2022
Position: Winger
Club: Florida State University
After Shaw, Brown is the next most prolific homegrown player. She represented Jamaica at every level and made her senior team debut in 2018 at just 16. That same year she emerged as a prominent figure in the senior team and won the best young player award at the Concacaf Women’s championships, scoring four goals on the way to World Cup qualification in 2019. She is, undoubtedly, an influential forward, who, at 21, has a lot more scope for growth and improvement which is what makes her such a dangerous prospect. Brown is shy by nature but when she is on the ball, her true personality shines through. She is fast, confident and difficult to catch, especially in one-on-one situations, from which most of her 12 senior goals in 18 appearances, have come. She backs herself as the Reggae Girlz’ best dancer. “[If there was a dance-off] I would be the winner,” she says.
Name: Paige Bailey-Gayle
Date of Birth: 12 November 2001
Position: Winger
Club: Crystal Palace
Another London-born player who featured for England at the youth level before joining Jamaica’s senior setup. A skillful forward who joined Crystal Palace in 2022, Bailey-Gayle is set to become the club's first-ever female player to feature at a Women’s World Cup. The initial switch to Jamaica required a lot of thought, she said, but now she is relishing every moment of it. “It is a massive honour for me and my family … I feel it was the right decision,” she says. “Qualifying for the Women’s World Cup is another massive honour. I never thought I’d become a full international, and now I am, it's the greatest feeling in the world.” She has already earned seven caps at the time of writing and is consistently putting in the work to score her first goal for Jamaica.
Name: Kameron Simmonds
Date of Birth: 12 June 2003
Position: Centre-forward
Club: University of Tennessee
The third person in her family to represent Jamaica, following in the footsteps of her father, Gregory, and grandfather, Patrick. The US-born forward was first invited to the senior team in September 2022 before the friendly against South Korea and has since become a staple in the team. Simmonds scored her first international goal against Czech Republic at the 2023 Cup of Nations tournament in Australia. Interestingly, Simmonds’ international career almost didn’t happen. She was a gymnast until she fractured an elbow at the age of 11. She switched to football the next year and started training with her father, a former striker who played professionally for over a decade and still holds the record for goals scored at Howard University. “The love that we have for the game and each other, it's just so amazing that I get to continue that legacy within the family,” she says. “It’s something we can bond over and talk about. It's just an incredible honour.”
Name: Cheyna Matthews
Date of Birth: 10 November 1993
Position: Centre-forward
Club: Chicago Red Stars
This will be the second World Cup for the US-born striker, who received her first call-up just months after she had given birth to her first son, Josiah, in 2019. Matthews, who is married to NFL tight end, Jordan, has had a similar path to selection for this World Cup – having recently returned to action after giving birth to her third son – and again impressed the coaching staff to secure her place in the squad. A prolific goalscorer, who started her career with Washington Spirit and then Racing Louisville, Matthews often shares the main striker’s role with Shaw and the two even combined during a 2-0 friendly win against Sheffield United recently, with Matthews scoring from her teammate’s cross. Despite strong competition for positions in the first team, Matthews’ quality is such that she is expected to play a significant role in Jamaica’s three group games.
Name: Kalyssa Van Zanten
Date of Birth: 25 August 2001
Position: Winger
Club: University of Notre Dame
Born in the United States to a father of Dutch descent and a Jamaican mother, Van Zanten is another precocious youngster who represents the next generation of Reggae Girlz. She played for the US at youth level but made her Jamaica senior team debut during last year’s World Cup qualifiers, where she figured prominently and impressed with her skill and quality on the ball.
A pacy forward, who plays on the right wing, Van Zanten scored the solitary goal in Jamaica’s 1-0 win over Costa Rica in their third-place game at the Concacaf Women’s Championships in Mexico. “I told her before she went on that she had a goal in her,” said head coach Lorne Donaldson. “If these [young] players have confidence, they will produce.” Much is expected of her.
Name: Kayla McKenna
Date of Birth: 3 September 1996
Position: Centre-forward
Club: Villarreal CF
The granddaughter of former Jamaican politician Pearnel Charles, McKenna, formerly known as McCoy before marriage, made her debut for Jamaica in 2019 and successfully made the France World Cup squad. However, she picked up a knee injury shortly after and was later replaced by Mireya Grey. McKenna has had tremendous success with Rangers since signing in 2021. She has scored 11 goals in 21 appearances at the time of writing and when fully fit, she will be a force to reckon with in Jamaica’s team. McKenna has also showed versatility, as she was asked to play a holding midfield role by previous coach Vin Blaine during the qualifiers, and she did so to good effect. The head coach Lorne Donaldson clearly knows her worth: “She is one of those players who brings value to the attack as a point player so we know she will do well."
Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has signed a two-year deal with French club Lorient, five days after being cleared of rape.
Mendy left City last month at the expiration of his contract, having not played for the Premier League and Champions League winners since 2021.
The 29-year-old was cleared of rape and attempted rape at Chester Crown Court last Friday.
Mendy, who progressed through Le Harve’s academy before establishing himself during three seasons at Marseille, joined City in 2017 for a reported fee of £52million after a solitary campaign with Monaco.
He would go on to be involved in three Premier League title wins with Pep Guardiola’s side but his last appearance occurred during the opening game of the 2021-22 in defeat at Tottenham.
Later that same month, Mendy was reprimanded in custody after being charged with four counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in August 2021.
City suspended the French full-back, who was granted bail the following January but only after being charged with three more counts of rape.
In May 2022, Mendy pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape, one attempted rape and one sexual assault.
The next month he was charged with another count of rape, and in September he was found not guilty on one charge of rape.
Mendy was found not guilty of six counts of rape and one court of sexual assault in January, but the same jury could not reach a verdict on another count of rape and one count of attempted rape.
It saw a retrial and last week Mendy was found not guilty of one charge of rape and one charge of attempted rape, which has allowed the defender to resume his professional career.
Lorient finished 10th in Ligue 1 last season under Regis Le Bris and the player will begin work with his new club on Wednesday.
“FC Lorient is pleased to announce today the signing for two seasons of French international left-back Benjamin Mendy,” a club statement read.
“The native of Longjumeau, who will wear number five with the Merlus, will take his first steps at Espace FCL today. Welcome Benjamin!”
Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has signed a two-year deal with French club Lorient.
Mendy left Man City last month at the expiration of his contract, having not played for the Premier League and Champions League winners since 2021.
The 29-year-old was cleared of rape and attempted rape at Chester Crown Court last week.
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