The beautiful game, a tapestry woven with skill, passion, and unpredictable drama, has always been resistant to radical change. In today's time, the fast development of technology has brought about the biggest change in how football matches are officiated: the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Since its full introduction, VAR has been a constant source of debate, lauded for correcting "clear and obvious errors" but simultaneously lambasted for disrupting the game's flow and generating its own brand of controversy. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup looms on the horizon, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the custodians of the Laws of the Game, The upcoming changes are set to bring more major changes to VAR rules, trying to find a better balance between being accurate and keeping the real feel of football. These proposed changes are not mere tweaks; they are a direct response to years of scrutiny, fan frustration, and the desire to evolve the sport without irr...
The countdown for the Euros has begun, with the first international window of 2025 now in full swing.
England began their Nations League campaign with a frustrating 1-1 draw against Portugal and now faces the challenge of competing against world champions Spain. While the next match is always the most important, there's no denying that the upcoming Swiss tournament will have an impact on everything England does between now and the summer.Sarina Wiegman's squad is taking shape, and it's becoming clear who will make the plane. However, there is still plenty of time for fringe players to make their mark and force the manager's hand, whether it's for a spot in the squad or a start in the opener against France.
In this 90-minute segment, we focus on four players who have a lot to prove as the tournament approaches.
Lauren James
Lauren Hemp, who is currently injured, is expected to be fit for the Euros, so a battle for the left wing spot is likely to ensue. Of course, James can play elsewhere, but she has previously stated that she feels most comfortable on that flank.
Friday's performance in Portugal demonstrated flashes of her abilities, including direct running, fearlessness in confronting opponents, pace, and ball intelligence. James, at her best, could lead England to great heights, but the Portugal game also highlighted the more wasteful side.
The Chelsea star's starting spot ahead of the Euros is far from guaranteed, so the 23-year-old must prove herself, not just in terms of availability, but also by demonstrating why she deserves to be one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Grace Clinton
Grace Clinton's rise in the England squad over the last year has been truly remarkable. She has proven herself at the club level and continues to improve with the Lionesses.
However, if Georgia Stanway hadn't suffered a season-ending injury, she might not have been a guaranteed starter in midfield at the Euros. Clinton's role has shifted dramatically, and she is likely to be a key player for Wiegman this summer.
Her first-half performance against Portugal demonstrated both dynamism and football intelligence. However, like the rest of the team, her second-half performance left plenty of room for improvement and highlighted the level she'll need to reach on a consistent basis to become a vital cog for England.
Late in the game, Kika Nazareth surged past Clinton, demonstrating the strength to hold off the midfielder as she stormed forward to score Portugal's equalizer. It's an important lesson Clinton should learn before the summer.
Aggie Beever-Jones
The 21-year-old will not have many minutes to prove herself, but she must demonstrate that she is capable of being England's backup striker. At their best, the Lionesses have always had top talent on the bench, much like Alessia Russo did for Ellen White at the last Euros.
Since Rachel Daly's international retirement, that position has been open for grabs, and no one has taken it with both hands. Beever-Jones now has four months to prove she's the one.
Chloe Kelly
Kelly's lack of game time at Manchester City was a growing concern, which hampered her chances with England, despite being selected. It's clear that the 27-year-old was also concerned about losing her position, which is why she forced through a January move.
She now has the rest of the season to force Wiegman's hand and solidify her place in the manager's thoughts. Interestingly, her new Arsenal teammate, Beth Mead, will be her main competition, but the rise of Jess Naz at Tottenham has added to the pressure for wide positions.
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