The Lionesses came agonisingly close to making even more history on Sunday after just missing out on the 2023 Women’s World Cup, but as England’s women’s team head home, defender Alex Greenwood has vowed, “We will be back” in a heartfelt statement.
One of countless players that shone in the tournament, the Man City centre-back was understandably emotional as she took to social media to address the fans following the 1-0 loss to Spain in their first-ever World Cup final but, like the spirit this team has continued to exhibit, she was also defiant.
As she wrote on Instagram, Greenwood admitted, “This one hurts a lot and will for a while.
“However I just want to say Thank you to the whole team I have just spent the last 9 weeks with, it was an incredible journey with amazing people, I am so proud of you all.” Sarina Wiegman and her squad boarded the team plane on Monday morning and are due to arrive back in the UK on Tuesday.
The 29-year-old went on to add, “Thank you Australia, incredible hosts and fantastic people, you have given me some amazing memories I’ll cherish for life.
“Finally, thank you to our fans, here and at home; your support has been unbelievable and we are so thankful for that. Sorry we couldn’t bring it home!!”
Nevertheless, she ended on the perfect note which once again summed up everything we love about this group of players: “Humble in victory, gracious in defeat, we will be back!!”
You’re damn right they will.
Gave it everything. Made us dream. Inspired the nation.
Speaking after the full-time whistle, her defensive partner and team captain Millie Bright said: “It’s hard [to take] but that’s football, it can go your way, it can go against you.
“They’re a fantastic team — I think first half we weren’t our best, second half we definitely put the fight in; we had chances, hit the bar but we just couldn’t finish it today, so congrats to them… A lot of emotion but really proud of the team and to come this far, play in a World Cup final, not many players do that. I’m really proud…
“I don’t think there’s much you can say at the minute; emotions are high, a huge amount of disappointment… but I think in a couple of weeks when it settles in we’ll be really, really proud and this is not it from us: we’ll bounce back I’m sure… The goal is always to win, our mentality is to win and we’ll never stop trying to be successful and be champions”.
You already are, both in Europe and to the people of this nation, and we know full well you’ll bring it home next time. Having spoken to Greenwood a few months back not long after their incredible Euros win, it was already hugely apparent how much the Lionesses have done for the women’s game already.
They should be nothing less than incredibly proud — we know we are.
Featured Image — Lionesses (via Twitter)/Alex Greenwood (via Instagram)
Sport
Alejandro Garnacho set for Premier League switch as Manchester United shuffle attacking lineup
Danny Jones
Young Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho looks set to make a switch to another Premier League team as he has reportedly already reached an agreement regarding personal terms with his next club: Chelsea.
The promising winger, who graduated from Man United’s academy setup and has quickly made an impact even in just a short time in the first team, is now believed to be London-bound very soon, with Chelsea now “close” to completing a deal for the 21-year-old.
While there are no doubts surrounding his talent and potential, it is said the rift between him and the United head coach comes down to personality, character and conduct, with the latter not shying away from sharing grievances publicly.
🚨 Chelsea have stepped up talks with Manchester United over deal to sign Alejandro Garnacho. Clubs in touch on topic for some time & now advancing amid Benjamin Sesko joining #MUFC. 21yo winger wants #CFC or nothing + expects move to happen @TheAthleticFChttps://t.co/vdc1dtnA0p
According to The Athletic, it now looks as though after having agitated for a move, Garnacho has got his wish and is set for the capital, in a move which could see him become the 51st senior player to sign for the Blues under Todd Boehly’s ownership.
It is, quite frankly, a staggering number – especially given the fact that he only purchased the club back in May of 2022.
Most notably in Garnacho‘s case, too, it also raises questions around where in the Chelsea squad he will fit and how much regular first-team football (a guaranteed starting spot rumoured to be a flashpoint with Amorim) he will be able to enjoy should the deal go ahead.
For instance, besides the plethora of other attacking players at Enzo Maresca’s disposal, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says that the west Londoners are also pursuing PSG’s Xavi Simons.
Nevertheless, the Italian journalist claims that “every detail of personal terms with Chelsea” has now been agreed, with the Argentine prospect now fully set on a move to Stamford Bridge.
You can see what other Manchester United transfer updates he gave in his latest video.
Romano goes on to state that the deal is effectively done as far as the player side of things is concerned, adding that Garnacho is now only interested in Chelsea since and has been since July.
Although negotiations are yet to begin with Man United, it looks likely that they will push to get a transfer approved quickly as they look to cover the costs of the other business, having already brought in a number of players.
A young BMX star from Trafford finished on the podium in the 2025 World Championships
Danny Jones
A Greater Manchester native placed on the podium at the 2025 BMX World Championships in yet another display of our region’s sporting excellence.
12-year-old Leo Rowlands from Timperley in Trafford was one of the several promising BMX riders representing Team GB at the World Championships in Copenhagen, which kicked off at the end of July.
Back in 2023, Geordie-born Kieran Reilly became the UK’s first champion at the UCI BMX Freestyle Worlds in Glasgow, and this year, London’s Beth Shriever claimed a trio of world titles.
Combine that with the incredible achievement of the talented young lad coming third overall in his own category, and it really was another brilliant performance from Great Britain.
Credit: Supplied
Penning a proud statement online, local outlet Altrincham Today wrote: “HUGE congratulations to Leo Rowlands, who has just claimed WORLD No. 3 at the BMX World Championships in Copenhagen.
“The Year 7 [aged 11-12] Altrincham College student, who’s been racing since age 6 and trains at Bruntwood Park BMX Club in Cheadle, came through a field of over 140 of the world’s best riders to reach the final and secure his spot on the podium.
“Already North Champion and UK National No. 2, Leo will be going for the British Championship title in Kent this month.”
Joining in sharing their pride and praise on social media, his home college in Alty, along with Rowlands’ fellow students, simply added: “Incredible performance, Leo!”
The comments underneath both posts are filled with other parents and fellow locals passing on their congrats. You love to see it.
Credit: Family Handout (supplied)
As for his regular cycling haunt, Bruntwood Park BMX Club also went on to add: “Yesterday, two riders reached the top of the sport for their age, and it is with great pride that they bring home the club’s first W plates from a World Championships.
“First up, Leo Rowlands, who put down a stunning lap in the Male 12s final, working his way back from dead last out of the gate to make a brilliant podium and take home W3.”
They went on to credit all of their rising talents, including another promising young and already multi-title-winning champion in Lexi Waite, who fought her way back from a slipped gate to finish in fifth.
Bruntwood signed off by adding: “What an incredible achievement from both of these outstanding riders, and we cannot wait to have these guys back with their W plates!”
There’s plenty of cycling history being made here in Greater Manchester, and we’ve no doubt there’s more to come.
Danny Jones -
21st August 2023 
