Beth Mead has stated her opposition to the men's World Cup going ahead in Qatar, with England's Euro 2022 hero saying it shows there is "no respect on a lot of levels".

With the Qatar 2022 finals beginning on November 20, players are poised to depart within days for the finals.

Qatar's human rights record has been widely criticised, with its treatment of groups such as the LGBTQ+ community and migrant workers particularly highlighted by campaign groups

Mead, who is in a relationship with her Arsenal team-mate Vivianne Miedema, said the tournament was one she would not "be backing or promoting".

Qatar was awarded the World Cup in December 2010 after a vote of FIFA members, to the disbelief of many in the game.

Officials from Qatar have strenuously denied allegations of corruption in the process, while saying the tournament will be a force for good in the country, and now they will get the world stage for football's most prestigious event.

Mead told BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour: "For me, from the minute it was announced I thought, 'I mean, it's not the best idea'.

"The way they think and how they go is the complete opposite to what I believe and respect, and although I'm cheering for the boys who are going to play football there, I still don't believe it's the right place."

Mead was player of the tournament and Golden Boot winner in England's women's European Championship triumph, and she will hit the global stage next year when Australia and New Zealand co-host the Women's World Cup.

She is disappointed that a country with Qatar's rights record got to this point in being given such a platform by football's authorities.

"But unfortunately money talks," Mead said, "and the situation even of the stadiums being built and the amount of people who have passed [died] because of that, it's not an ideal situation, and it's not something I will be backing or promoting at all, but unfortunately it is going ahead.

"Just disappointing, I guess, in that sense of there's no respect on a lot of levels, even though it's a game of football."

European champions England will face off against Copa America Femenina champions Brazil at Wembley in the inaugural Women's Finalissima next year.

The clash on April 6 has been organised between UEFA and CONMEBOL to follow on from the success of the men's Finalissima in June, where South American champions Argentina defeated European title-holders Italy in front of a sold-out crowd at Wembley.

A cross-continent fixture has also taken place at youth level, with UEFA Youth League winners Benfica overcoming Uruguay's Club Atletico Penarol at the Estadio Centenario in August in Montevideo.

The clash will give both England and Brazil the opportunity to clinch a further title before the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, leading Three Lionesses head coach Sarina Wiegman to outline her excitement for the fixture.

"The great games keep on coming for us. This time, we have the opportunity to welcome Brazil to Wembley and it will be another big moment after the Euros and USA match," she said.

"Like us, they will be thinking about the World Cup next summer. This is a chance to again test ourselves against another top 10 team in the world, an opportunity to win another trophy and give our fans something special to watch, hopefully in a packed-out Wembley."

England's Euro success was only the second senior title they have ever lifted, while Brazil's triumph against Colombia in the Copa America was their fourth in a row and eighth in the nine editions of the tournament.

England will face Denmark, China and an as-yet undecided qualifier at next year's Australia/New Zealand 2023 Women's World Cup, as holders the United States face fellow 2019 finalists the Netherlands.

The Lionesses, heading into their first major tournament since claiming Euro 2022 glory on home turf, will compete in Group D following Saturday's draw in Auckland.

Sarina Wiegman's side will meet fellow UEFA outfit Denmark alongside Asian Cup holders China, plus one of Chile, Senegal or Haiti, who are due to complete their qualification battle in February next year.

All eyes will be on Group E however, where the USWNT will meet Wiegman's old team once more, four years on from defeating them in the final at France 2019.

They are joined by Vietnam, as well as another unknown qualifier who will be confirmed at the start of next year.

Elsewhere, the Republic of Ireland face hosts Australia in Group B, along with Canada and Nigeria, while co-hosts New Zealand take on Norway, Switzerland and the Philippines in Group A.

Japan, finalists in 2015, have been pitted against Spain, Zambia and Costa Rica in Group C, while France, Jamaica and Brazil - alongside the third and final remaining qualifier - make up an intriguing Group F.

Sweden, downed by England in the Euro 2020 semi-finals earlier this year, headline Group G alongside South Africa, Italy and Argentina. Germany are in Group H with Morocco, Colombia and South Korea.

The tournament begins on July 20 next year, before reaching its climax with the final at Sydney's Stadium Australia four weeks later on August 20.

Barcelona and Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas took home a second straight Ballon d'Or Feminin award on Monday to become the first two-time winner.

Putellas was recognised in 2021 after winning the Champions League with Barca, before returning to the final this year.

The Blaugrana this time came up short, losing to Lyon, but Putellas finished as the competition's top scorer and Player of the Season.

She was then denied the opportunity to feature at the Women's Euro 2022 after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament on the eve of the finals.

Despite missing the tournament, while three of her four fellow Ballon d'Or finalists featured, Putellas was named the world's best player by France Football again in Paris.

Beth Mead, who inspired England's Euros triumph, finished second, but Putellas was a popular winner and gave an emotional speech as she reflected on a tough period in her career.

"Thanks to France Football and the members of the jury," she said. "On April 5, I broke my knee and I believed that this [winning the Ballon d'Or] would not be possible, because I believed that the most recent European Championship would be remembered.

"My most sincere congratulations to the English FA for the organisation they had for the European Championship and how they are having that impact on women's football in that country. They are an example of how they are doing it.

"I hope that the next time I have to speak, it will be on the pitch again, and I hope that we will see each other again there."

England manager Sarina Wiegman has denied reports she has agreed a contract extension, but says she remains relaxed about the situation and is "very happy" in her role.

Wiegman's impact since taking charge of the Lionesses last year has been nothing short of remarkable; England are unbeaten in 23 matches under the Dutch coach, winning 21 and scoring 120 goals. 

Reports had suggested Wiegman, who led England to a remarkable home triumph at the Women's Euros in July, had agreed a new deal to run until 2027.

Wiegman's current contract is set to expire in 2025, and while the 52-year-old acknowledges talks over a renewal have taken place, she refuted suggestions a deal was already agreed.

"I'm very happy with the contract I have. I feel very valued, we have had conversations, very good ones, and we're all happy," Wiegman said on Monday.

"I'm happy, the team is happy, the FA is happy. We have a couple of tournaments to go and it's very comfortable. I hope we keep it that way and keep performing well."

England continued their strong form by beating the United States at Wembley Stadium last Friday, and will host the Czech Republic in another friendly at the AMEX Stadium on Tuesday.

England head coach Sarina Wiegman is satisfied Friday's 2-1 win over world champions the United States proves her Lionesses are at a "very high level" less than a year out from the Women's World Cup.

European champions England were playing at the scene of their momentous Euro 2022 triumph on July 31 for the first time, with the USA – the most successful team in women's football – visiting Wembley.

Although only a friendly, pre-game interest around the match was significant with it said to have been the fastest-selling England fixture – men or women – at the new Wembley.

The crowd was treated to an entertaining contest, with Lauren Hemp giving England an early lead as she pounced on a failed interception in the penalty area.

Sophia Smith levelled in the 28th minute after England lost possession just outside their own box, but Georgia Stanway quickly restored the advantage from the spot after Lucy Bronze was caught by a high boot.

A marginal offside call a few moments later denied USA a well-worked equaliser and England ultimately held firm in the second half, with a VAR review overturning a late penalty award for the visitors and leaving Wiegman happy but philosophical.

"That was really intense, just what we wanted," she told ITV Sport. "USA played as we expected, they gave us hard times sometimes, which is normal as they are really good.

"I thought we played well in moments, actually in the first half a little better than the second. In the second we had some problems to get out of the press, but it's 2-1 and I think it was a great game."

Asked if this victory will put a target on their back as the team to beat at next year's World Cup, she added: "The target is there all the time!

"We said before this game, yes we want to play the game, win the game, but whatever happens this is just the starting point for getting prepared for the World Cup.

"But of course it's really nice when you win the game and show shows you are at a very high level."

The Lionesses appeared to ride their luck on occasion, particularly with regard to the tight offside call in their favour to deny the USA an equaliser.

USA had luck in behind more than once, but Wiegman felt that although England were not perfect, their high press and aggressive nature off the ball was what she wanted to see.

"I understand [the defensive concerns], sometimes we were very open, played with a lot of space in the back and we know the USA are very quick, a very athletic team," he said.

"We didn't choose to just drop back to get the space behind the defence very small, we just wanted to play a game with the high press.

"In those moments, we knew that, but it's something we will review and see if we can do better, but this is how we want to play."

Megan Rapinoe and her United States team-mates are "angry and exhausted" after a report detailed widespread misconduct in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).

Former US Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates released a report on Monday concluding abuse and sexual misconduct spanned multiple teams and coaches, while the NWSL and US Soccer failed to put in "basic measures" to safeguard players or "respond appropriately when confronted with player reports and evidence of abuse".

The report's findings have cast a dark shadow on women's football ahead of the United States' friendly with England at Wembley Stadium on Friday.

Rapinoe is grateful the United States' squad were able to support each other at a difficult time.

"I mean it's horrifying," Rapinoe told reporters at a pre-match press conference. "Obviously, I'm sure everybody read the report, and have read all the reporting that's been going on the last year. Even when you know it, it's just horrifying over and over to read.

"It's been difficult for the players, some of those players play in those clubs, have been coached by those coaches, and likely have been abused in one form or another.

"It could definitely be re-triggering or re-traumatising, just to have to deal with that on such an incredible occasion. To be here at Wembley, and be able to participate in this game that is so exciting, the juxtaposition is just kind of ridiculous.

"We're angry and exhausted, and together and unified. It's nice to be here together as a team, I feel like it's really powerful for us all to be together as a national team and be able to speak on behalf of all this. It has been very difficult, I can't even imagine for the players most affected.

"In a way, I mean it's really sad to say, but we're used to having to deal with one thing or another. It seems to bring us closer and definitely unify the team and it's just one of those intimate environments that we're in."

Since the findings were released, Portland Thorns owner Merritt Paulson and Chicago Red Stars owner Arnim Whisler, both of whom were cited in the report, have announced their intentions to step aside.

Rapinoe has little sympathy.

"I don't think Merritt Paulson is fit to be the owner in Portland. I don't think Arnim is fit to be the owner in Chicago," she said.

Rapinoe also demanded more action from football's governing bodies, including FIFA.

"Obviously, that's a monumental task and a lot of these federations that are funded really well only get together a couple of times a year. I know that can be difficult," she added.

"But from FIFA's standpoint, as the stewards of the game, they have a responsibility to do everything in their power to ensure that every player is in a safe environment."

Rapinoe also believes the NSWL and US Soccer must take responsibility.

"Those people are in positions that have responsibility, and they didn't fulfil those responsibilities and they didn't protect players at all," Rapinoe said.

"It's year after year after year, it’s impossible to overstate that every single year someone said something about multiple coaches in the league, about multiple different environments so if, year after year after year, you cannot perform your duties - I know I wouldn't be in my position if I couldn't perform my duties year after year."

Sarina Wiegman and Beth Mead warned the abuse suffered by professional women footballers is not just restricted to the United States.

U.S. Soccer on Monday released the findings of the year-long investigation, led by former Deputy Attorney General Sally Q. Yates, after over 200 interviews had taken place.

The report stated that over the nearly 10-year history of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), "numerous coaches have verbally or emotionally abused players".

It also found that "several are alleged to have committed serious sexual misconduct during and/or before their time in the League".

England, who won the women's Euros earlier this year, face the USA in a friendly at Wembley Stadium on Friday.

At a press conference ahead of the match, Wiegman said: "My first reaction is that it’s horrible, unacceptable that it's still happening.

"I feel very, very sorry for all the victims and it should stop immediately, I think we all agree on that.

"I think it's a worldwide problem still and it’s just really the time now to all step up and stop these things. Whatever abuse it is, it's horrible and unacceptable."

Mead echoed her manager's sentiment, insisting governing bodies must do more.

"When I found out I was quite sickened by the situation. It's a worldwide problem but women need to be taken seriously a lot more," Mead said.

"I'm very proud of the victims that stood up and said it. People need to start doing better, the US governing body needs to do better, worldwide we need to do better."

Asked if the England team were planning a show of solidarity with their opposition on Friday, Mead added: "We're in contact with the American team and some of the players and we're working on something to show our support for them.

"Nothing's been finalised yet, but we will be doing something."

Mead and her England team-mates have made strides to push on the women's game in the country, with their European glory marking the nation's first major success since the men's team won the 1966 World Cup.

"I would say so, we feel like we've got a good platform to make a difference," Mead, who scored 20 goals and assisted 17 in 19 matches for England in the 2021–22 season, replied when asked if the team felt empowered to make their voices heard.

"We wrote the open letter about P.E. in schools for girls and we want to use our platform for the greater good of the women's game and women's sport in general. It's something we're more confident about but we also have the full support of the FA and everyone involved that helps a lot."

Mead added it was "about time" for celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Lionesses, which will also take place at Wembley on Friday.

"We know as players we wouldn’t be here today without the women that have come before us," she said.

"[They're] incredible women. It's nice that we can celebrate what they've done just as much as we've done. It's nice that they've got a voice now."

England captain Leah Williamson will miss Friday's friendly against the United States at Wembley after sustaining an injury in training.

Williamson, who led Sarina Wiegman's team to a remarkable European Championship triumph in July, requires further assessment on the unspecified injury.

Fellow Euro 2022 winners Lotte Wubben-Moy and Nikita Parris have been added to England's squad, the Football Association said, with West Ham defender Lucy Parker withdrawing through injury. Former skipper Steph Houghton remains out of the picture for now, but Wiegman has said the door remains open to her.

The sell-out clash with the reigning world champions will represent a stern test of England's credentials ahead of next year's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

England have picked up just two victories in their last 16 meetings with the USA in all competitions (D2 L12), failing to win any of their last four such games since a 2017 victory in the SheBelieves Cup.

However, England are still yet to lose under Wiegman, winning 20 of their 22 matches since she took charge last year, scoring a total of 118 goals.

England will head to Brighton and Hove Albion's AMEX Stadium to host the Czech Republic next Tuesday after facing the USA.

Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall believes years of effort and investment have paid off as the Gunners prepare to shatter the Women's Super League attendance record against Tottenham.

Over 50,000 fans are expected at Emirates Stadium for Saturday's north London derby, as WSL clubs seek to build on the shining success of England's home Euro 2022 triumph.

A record crowd for any European Championship fixture – men's or women's – was set at Wembley when 87,192 spectators saw the Lionesses beat Germany after extra time on July 31.

Now the Gunners are poised for a bumper crowd of their own, and Eidevall was keen to highlight there had been no fudging the numbers with the impressive ticket take-up.

"It's 50,000 sold tickets," he said. "They're not giveaways, they're not discounted, they're sold tickets. I think that's really special, because that means the interest there, it is for real.

"The investment the team has done, but also all the past generations to take us to this stage here, that is phenomenal. We want to make the most of it tomorrow, so it can happen more freely."

Barcelona have completed the signing of Keira Walsh from Manchester City for a world record fee for a female footballer reported to be in the region of £350,000.

Walsh made six appearances as England won the 2022 Women's Euros in July.

The 25-year-old has spent her entire senior career with City, winning one Women's Super League title, three FA Cups and four EFL Cups.

Three-time reigning Spanish champions Barca have now prized her away from Manchester in a deal that far supersedes the previous record, set when Chelsea paid Wolfsburg over £250,000 for Pernille Harder in 2020.

Walsh will link up with her old City team-mate and fellow Lioness Lucy Bronze at Barca, with the defender having made the same move in June.

Georgia Stanway, another City player to star at the Euros, departed for Bayern Munich.

England manager Sarina Wiegman has carried off the UEFA Women's Coach of the Year award after leading the Lionesses to victory at the European Championship.

Wiegman steered England to what was only the nation's second-ever major international honour, the other being the men's victory in the 1966 World Cup final. It saw her win the Euros for the second tournament in a row – previously steering her native Netherlands to glory.

Fresh from naming her first England squad on Wednesday since the Euro 2022 victory, Wiegman was unable to attend the event where she pipped Germany manager Martina Voss-Tecklenburg and Lyon's Sonia Bompastor to the honour.

Barcelona captain Alexia Putellas took the UEFA Women's Player of the Year honour for the second season in a row – becoming the first to do so.

Putellas missed the European Championship due to a knee injury but played a key part in Barcelona's success in 2021-22, securing a domestic double and reaching the final of the Champions League.

The midfielder netted a league-high 18 goals and also finished as top scorer in Europe with 11 goals, though her team lost to Lyon in the final.

Pep Guardiola heaped praise on England's "incredible" Lionesses as he suggested their Euro 2022 triumph has put more pressure on Gareth Southgate's team ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.

Sarina Wiegman's side ended 56 years of major tournament hurt for England with a 2-1 extra-time victory over Germany in last month's Wembley final, going one better than the Three Lions did in their Euro 2020 penalty shoot-out defeat to Italy on the same ground.

The Lionesses sparkled throughout the tournament on home soil, scoring a remarkable 22 goals in six matches on their way to the title.

According to Manchester City boss Guardiola, their achievements should serve not only as an inspiration to women across the country, but also as a marker for their male counterparts.

"England have to be so proud, first of all, for these incredible women," he told BBC Sport.

"I had the feeling every season, women's football, the sport of women, is rising and getting better.

 

"It's so nice for our daughters and for the next generations, what they have done. And thanks to all of you, because you pay more attention to what they do, and that's why they get a final in their home country, at Wembley.

"[It was] a special moment, and I think it will put pressure on the men for the World Cup, and that is good, this is good."

Guardiola's praise comes in the same week as the retirements of two Lionesses legends, with the team's record goalscorer Ellen White and second-most-capped player Jill Scott both hanging up their boots as European champions.

Southgate's side will begin their World Cup campaign against Iran on November 21 before rounding off Group B by facing the United States and Wales. 

Sarina Wiegman has declared it is time for England to get 'back to business' after naming her first Lionesses squad since steering the team to victory at the European Championships.

England tackle Austria and Luxembourg as the European champions look to seal qualification for next year's World Cup, with further glory targeted after clinching a maiden honour last month.

The Lionesses are still riding the high from the success against Germany at Wembley, with focus on the women's game increasing significantly, but, while that triumph is fresh in the memory, Wiegman has called upon the squad to focus.

"It only feels like yesterday since we were celebrating at Wembley, but we have to get straight back to business," she said in a press conference.

"We have a big target in front of us this month to book our place at the World Cup, and we have to set aside our amazing memories of this summer for the moment."

Wiegman will be without two experienced figures in the squad, with record-goalscorer Ellen White and Jill Scott, the second-most capped player in Lionesses' history, both announcing their retirements this week 

"It is hard to describe their impact in words. They have been with the team for such a long time, impacting the game with the national team and club teams in England so much," Wiegman added.

"I've only worked with them for a year, I'm disappointed it is not longer, but I understand and respect their decision. We are so proud of them and thankful for what they've brought to the game. I hope they stay in football in another role."

Chloe Kelly, scorer of England's winning goal in the final, and Fran Kirby have both been omitted from the squad through injury, while Hannah Hampton is out amid "personal issues" - tallying together for five changes from the Euro 2022 squad.

Sandy MacIver, Lauren James, Jordan Nobbs, Katie Zelem and Ebony Salmon have all been called-up in their place.

England squad

Mary Earps, Sandy MacIver, Ellie Roebuck, Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Rachel Daly, Alex Greenwood, Demi Stokes, Leah Williamson, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Jordan Nobbs, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Keira Walsh, Katie Zelem, Bethany England, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Beth Mead, Nikita Parris, Alessia Russo, Ebony Salmon.

Jill Scott has become the second member of England's Euro 2022-winning squad to announce her retirement in as many days, with the nation's second-most-capped player hanging up her boots at the age of 35.

The midfielder, the only member of the victorious Lionesses squad who remained from their previous final defeat in 2009, brings the curtain down on an 18-year career just weeks on from beating Germany at Wembley.

Scott follows England's record goalscorer Ellen White in announcing she is bowing out of the game, revealing her decision in a lengthy feature penned for The Players' Tribune.

"Two things have always been true about me," the former Manchester City stalwart wrote. "I've always been stubborn, and I've always loved football. It's been in my blood ever since I was five years old. 

"If you would have told me that I'd live to see 90,000 people packed into Wembley Stadium for a women's European final? And that I'd be playing in it? Impossible."

"I'm retiring from football. And I'm leaving with a gold medal swinging from my neck."

Scott began her senior career with hometown club Sunderland in 2004, but it was a move to Everton in 2006 that saw her establish herself as one of the English game's key talents.

She won FA Women's Premier League Cup and FA Women's Cup honours before a move to Manchester City in 2013, where she helped the club become one of the dominant forces in the Women's Super League, winning in 2016.

At international level, Scott made her debut against the Netherlands as a teenager in August 2006 and went on to win 161 caps across a 16-year Lionesses career, and a further nine caps for Great Britain.

She was a member of the 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019 World Cup squads, making the semi-finals in the latter two, as well as the 2009, 2013, 2017 and 2022 European Championship squads.

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