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Nigeria Vs England Lineup: Oshoala On Bench, Walsh Returns For England

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Nigeria’s Super Falcons are set to play against England in the round 16 at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Brisbane.

Super Falcons have been strong dogs who knocked some important teams like Germany, Canada, and the USA, they have already lost and are out of the tournament.

A win for Nigeria against England means they will reach the quarter-finals, matching their best result from 1999.

Lineups:

Falcons coach Randy Waldrum has made one change to the Nigeria side who played a goalless draw with the Republic of Ireland in their final group match.

Barcelona forward Asisat Oshoala, who is yet to play 90 minutes in the competition as she returns to full fitness, is left on the bench despite starting the last game. Ifeoma Onumonu starts in her place.

Oshoala scored the winning goal in the 3-2 win over co-hosts Australia and made history as the first Nigerian and first female African player to score at three different editions of the FIFA World Cup.

Former England youth international and former Liecester captain, Defender Ashleigh Plumptre, starts at left back.

She spent the last three seasons at Leicester City before she left at the end of the season.

Nigeria XI: Nnadozie, Plumptre, Ohale, Onumonu, Payne, Ucheibe, Kanu, Demehin, Ajibade, Ayinde, Alozie.

Subs: Oluehi, Balogun, Ogbonna, Ebi, Oshoala, Oparanozie, Monday, Ordega, Echegini, Imuran, Okoronkwo.

England

Lionesses coach Sarina Wiegman has opted to play with a back three again after their successful win over China.

Midfielder Keira Walsh, who returned to team training on Sunday, returns into the starting XI to replace Katie Zelem in what is the only change as the formation remains the same.

England XI: Earps, Bronze, Greenwood, Bright, Carter, Daly, Walsh, Stanway, Hemp, James, Russo.

Subs: Charles, Toone, Nobbs, Hampton, Roebuck, Wubben-Moy, Morgan, England, Robinson, Coombs, Kelly, Zelem.

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Premier League Set To Vote On VAR Removal

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Premier League clubs are poised to make a crucial decision on the future of video assistant referees (VAR) in the next season.

Wolves have taken a significant step by formally submitting a resolution to the Premier League, paving the way for a vote among the 20 member clubs during their annual general meeting in Harrogate on June 6.

In their resolution, Wolves highlighted that while VAR was initially introduced with good intentions, it has resulted in numerous unintended negative consequences that have eroded the relationship between fans and football.

Since its introduction in 2019 to aid on-field referees, VAR has been embroiled in controversy this season due to several contentious incidents.

Wolves weighed in on the matter, asserting, “The price we are paying for a small increase in accuracy is at odds with the spirit of our game.”

In response, the Premier League acknowledged the concerns but affirmed its unwavering support for VAR, pledging to collaborate with the referees’ body PGMOL to address issues and improve the technology.

 

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Raphael Varane To Depart Man Utd

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Manchester United’s Raphael Varane has sent shockwaves through the footballing world with his decision to bid farewell to the club at the end of the season.

The 31-year-old French defender, who made the switch from Real Madrid in 2021 for a hefty £34 million ($43 million), announced his departure on Tuesday.

Raphael Varane, a crucial figure in Manchester United’s recent history, played a pivotal role in securing the club’s first trophy in six years, the 2023 League Cup.

However, despite this triumph, United’s current season has been nothing short of a nightmare, with the team languishing in eighth place in the Premier League and facing slim chances of European qualification, having suffered 14 defeats.

Varane’s time at United has been marred by injuries, with his last appearance dating back to a 4-3 defeat against Chelsea on April 4.

He said “To you guys, supporters of Manchester United it’s been an amazing few years to play for this special club and wear that shirt,” Varane said on social media.

“The first time I went to Old Trafford as a Man United player was insane, the atmosphere was amazing. I fell in love with the club, with the fans. You have to play for Man United to understand what that represents.

“Despite the fact we had a difficult season, I’m very positive for the future. The new owners (United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe) are coming with a clear plan and a great strategy.” he added

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag expressed optimism about Raphael Varane’s potential involvement in the FA Cup final later this month, hoping that Varane could contribute to securing another trophy for the club.

With Newcastle set to visit Old Trafford on Wednesday and United traveling to Brighton for the final day of the Premier League season on Sunday, ten Hag outlined the plan for Varane’s inclusion in the upcoming matches.

Ten Hag said on Tuesday “We plan [for] him. Definitely for the last games. Not tomorrow but we hope for Sunday and then, of course, for the last game (the FA Cup final).”

Manchester United released a statement confirming Raphael Varane’s departure from the club, praising his significant contributions characterized by “great class and experience” during his tenure.

The statement highlighted Varane’s exceptional defensive prowess, which has been a cornerstone of his impact on the team since his arrival.

Varane, heralded as one of the most decorated defenders of his era, boasts an impressive resume, including four Champions League titles and three La Liga triumphs during his illustrious 10-year stint at Real Madrid.

Additionally, he played a pivotal role in France’s 2018 World Cup victory and their journey to the final in the 2022 edition.

Despite his international success, Varane made the decision to retire from international football at the age of 29, citing the immense physical and mental pressures associated with elite-level competition.

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Spurs Fans Prefer Losing To Man City To Arsenal Winning Trophy

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As the business end of the 2023/24 English Premier League (EPL) hot up, it has emerged that fans of the competing clubs differ in their wishes for their clubs.

In a development that have rattled pundits across the world, supporters of EPL side, Tottenham Hotspurs have voted 54 percent to lose to Manchester City, because defeating City would hand the advantage to local rivals, the Arsenal FC.

Biztellers reports that with the 38-game league at the penultimate match, the matchup between Spurs and defending champions, City appears to hold the ace to where who would win.

In an unprecedented move, the supporters of north London side, Spurs, could not hide their disgust for their local rivals, the Gunners winning the trophy, which would become very likely should Spurs defeat City in the Tuesday clash.

At things stand, the Gunners and City are running neck-to-neck with the former top of the log at 86 points after 37 games, and the later next with 85 points having played 36.

The coaching and playing staff might hold different views, though, which leaves the outcome of the clash open to the 90 minutes of action on the pitch.

Biztellers reports that a win would boost the chances of Spurs qualifying for the elite European completion, the European Champions League (UCL) as against losing and being stuck in the less fancied, Europa League.

The season defining clash, igniting attention across the world, goes down this evening in North London.

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