Women's World Cup: heartbreaking own goal ends England dreams at the death

Laura Bassett is comforted by team-mates after scoring her own goal. Photograph: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

England’s World Cup dream concluded in the cruellest fashion when Laura Bassett’s stoppage time own goal re-routed Mark Sampson’s Lionesses from the final in Vancouver to Heathrow.

Bassett was in tears after slicing an intended clearance into her own net at the end of an evening on which England had held their own against a slick passing, technically accomplished, but largely non-penetrative, Japan side.

Defensively excellent, Sampson’s players persistently forced their opponents to construct their passing triangles down a series of cul-de-sacs and blind alleys. Perhaps ironically, they came undone when the geometry-obsessed World Cup holders delivered a rare cross.

A semi-final England’s coach had predicted would be very much about set pieces was level courtesy of a pair of somewhat debatable penalties, and drifting into extra time when Japan broke and Nahomi Kawusumi unleashed an excellent, subtly curving ball from the right. If anyone needed a reminder of why high-calibre crosses change games, this was it.

Under acute pressure from two attackers, Bassett attempted to clear but merely succeeded in forcing the ball over Karen Bardsley’s head before watching in horror as it grazed the underside of the bar and dropped a yard over the line.

As tears began rolling down Bassett’s face, the final whistle blew. Instantly the centre half was engulfed by team-mates desperate to offer her a consolatory hug.

Bassett and the rest of Sampson’s squad must travel back to London via Saturday’s third place playoff against Germany, while Japan will face USA in the following day’s denouement.

Prince William and David Cameron had been at the front of the queue of well wishers sending the Lionesses good luck messages on Wednesday, but Norio Sasaki was not convinced.

“There are places where England fall unintentionally apart,” said Japan’s coach, somewhat sniffily, shortly before kick off. “I wonder how they have been so successful so far?”

Shortly after kickoff, Jodie Taylor looked set to ruffle his confidence after connecting with Karen Bardsley’s long kick – but she directed her volley slightly off target.

After that, much of the first half was all about Japan dominating possession, with the Lionesses struggling to second-guess Aya Miyami’s midfield promptings and sometimes wrongfooted by the classy Rumi Utsugi.

The good news for Sampson was that the Nadeshiko struggled to get behind a supremely well organised defence, and Bardsley was barely troubled. Indeed, on admittedly rare counter-attacks invariably featuring long balls, Jill Scott and Taylor, the Lionesses looked reasonably threatening.

Everything changed when Claire Rafferty shoved Saori Ariyoshi just inside the area – England protested, forlornly, it was just outside – and Miayma stepped up to take the penalty. Despite delaying her kick and then stuttering in the run-up, she sent Bardsley the wrong way.

If Sampson had a case for arguing that Rafferty’s inital push had been made marginally outside the area, he could have had no complaints when England – due £35,000 per woman bonuses had they lifted the trophy – won a distinctly iffy penalty of their own.

This time, Steph Houghton tumbled all too easy in the face of Yuki Ogimi’s challenge, but the referee bought it and Fara Williams stepped up to the spot. Sampson’s set-piece specialist did not let him down, her kick comfortably evading Ayumi Kaihori’s grasp.

With Taylor’s knee – she had surgery only two months ago – forcing her replacement by Ellen White after an hour, Japan looked relieved. They appeared even more so as Toni Duggan’s shot rebounded off the bar.

Sasaki introduced Mana Iwabuchi – aka “The Killer” – from the bench, and the creator dubbed “the brightest flower” of the Japanese women’s game promptly began causing England all sorts of problems as she ran through a repertoire of tricks. So many, indeed, that there was a strong suspicion that Sampson, ever streetwise, instructed Bardsley to fake an injury in order to use the break in play to re-group his Lionesses.

No matter. Despite Taylor’s withdrawl, England remained very much in the game. White forced a splendid save from Japan’s goalkeeper Kaihori, and Jill Scott headed wide.

Extra time and possibly penalties were beckoning – but then Bassett, otherwise excellent for England throughout this tournament, endured the worst moment of her career.

In time, even she may be able to see the bigger picture. It involves the Lionesses’ achievement in reaching the semi finals of a women’s World Cup for the first time, and becoming the first national team of either gender to make the last four since Sir Bobby Robson’s boys of Italia 90.

They may have stumbled at the penultimate hurdle but, with a nation newly inspired, it will be a major surprise if the topography of the female game in England does not alter beyond recognition.

Roy Hodgson tells Nathaniel Clyne that form is not enough for England

Roy Hodgson has indicated he will continue with Phil Jones as England’s right-back and made it clear to Nathaniel Clyne that he has no right “on the basis of a good season” to think he should take over from the Manchester United defender.
Clyne was restricted to the role of a late substitute in England’s 3-2 win against Slovenia and was overlooked when Hodgson withdrew Jones, who was suffering from a minor ankle injury, at half-time. Jordan Henderson was switched from central midfield into defence and at the end of the game Clyne went straight down the tunnel. “I suppose he was disappointed,” Hodgson said.
Jones was partly to blame for Slovenia’s first goal and has had an erratic season at Old Trafford but Hodgson gave him his backing after it was put to the England manager that Clyne had been the outstanding right-back in the Premier League last season with Southampton.
“Maybe,” Hodgson said, “but Jones is a top-quality player. We have great faith in him and we are very happy with him. We think Nathaniel Clyne is a very good player but I would be disappointed if anyone thought that on the basis of a good season with their clubs they can walk in and demand a place.
“If I were to play him and leave out Phil Jones there would have been a lot of questions about ‘Don’t you rate Phil Jones?’ and ‘Don’t you think he’s a man of the future?’ I didn’t notice Clyne walk off and you would have to ask him.
“He’s a good lad, he’s been very solid since he’s come in and we like him very much. I would be surprised if he did that. I spoke to him and explained what I was doing but you can’t expect everyone to be happy.
“After the game when you are walking around the substitutes you won’t get the same smiling faces as you do from the 11 who played. That is a fact of life.”
Liverpool had an opening offer for Clyne of around £10m turned down last month. Southampton want the 24-year-old to extend his contract, which has one season to run.

Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling shows his worth in cruise past Newcastle

Whatever Raheem Sterling is smoking, and it is quite a lot judging by recent pictures of the Liverpool winger in action, it was too much for Newcastle United to stomach as their malaise deepened at Anfield. Brendan Rodgers’ team kept their outside hope of Champions League qualification alive with an ultimately comfortable victory. Liverpool moved to within four points of fourth-placed Manchester City with goals from Sterling and Joe Allen but for John Carver there was only a fifth consecutive league defeat and mounting problems. Moussa Sissoko was sent off late on for an over-the-top tackle on Lucas Leiva that prompted his second booking of the night when it could have been a straight red.
Rodgers’ programme notes were filed before Manchester City’s comprehensive defeat at Old Trafford, a result that may have altered his conviction that “there is a significant gap between us and fourth place, there are a small number of games remaining to bridge that gap, and the teams above us are not dropping points.” His insistence Liverpool “cannot afford any more slip-ups” in the pursuit of fourth place holds true regardless of the champions’ regression, however, and Rodgers’ team were quick to establish a foothold over a brittle Newcastle.

Liverpool were without Daniel Sturridge due to what the club described as muscle fatigue after the England international exited the FA Cup quarter-final win at Blackburn Rovers last week with a slight hamstring problem. In his absence, Philippe Coutinho was the somewhat surprising choice to lead the attack with Raheem Sterling and Jordon Ibe, back from a six week lay-off caused by ankle ligament damage, completing a three-pronged attack.
Any doubts over the home side’s potency in the absence of a recognised striker were dispelled with their first attack. Carver had pledged a reaction from Newcastle following their lame defeat in the Tyne-Wear derby last weekend and initially the “hurt” visitors delivered. Moussa Sissoko, captain in place of the suspended Fabricio Coloccini, led by powerful example from the opening whistle yet it underlined the weakness of this Newcastle team that they conceded when under pressure for the first time.
The breakthrough was a moment to savour for the scrutinised Sterling. Jordan Henderson instigated the ninth-minute goal with a crossfield pass that his England international colleague trapped with an exquisite first touch on the left of the visitors’ penalty area.
Sterling stepped inside one weak challenge from Ryan Taylor, a second from Gabriel Obertan and swept a fine right-footed finish beyond Tim Krul into the top corner. It was the 20-year-old’s first goal since inviting criticism with his admission to the BBC that he had rejected a £100,000-a-week contract offer from Liverpool.
Any concerns Sterling might have had over the Kop’s reaction were misplaced although the home supporters were quick to express an unflattering opinion of the player’s agent, Aidy Ward.
The release for Sterling may be short-lived. Having been pictured in the Sunday Mirror this weekend allegedly smoking a shisha pipe, it emerged during the game that Sterling has also been filmed allegedly inhaling nitrous oxide – or laughing gas – at a party.
A Liverpool spokesperson commented: “We are aware of the story and intend to speak to the player. Any subsequent action will be taken internally.” Rodgers was also due to comment on the latest controversy surrounding the 20-year-old after the game.
Liverpool, wearing black armbands before the 26th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster on Wednesday, appeared on course for a comfortable victory in the immediate aftermath of Sterling’s strike as Newcastle’s resistance evaporated.
The home side pinged passes over the Newcastle rearguard at will and under no pressure for much of the first half. Krul saved an angled drive from Alberto Moreno after Dejan Lovren’s long ball sent the Spaniard clear down the left, Coutinho overhit a cross intended for the unmarked Sterling in front of goal having evaded two challenges down the right and Krul saved superbly from Lucas Leiva’s free header, albeit the Brazilian was given offside.
But Liverpool’s dominance proved deceptive. Having spent most of the first half justifying recent accusations of a lack of quality and fight, the visitors ended it in the ascendancy and rightly enraged by the referee, Lee Mason’s, refusal to award a penalty when Lovren impeded Ayozé Pérez inside the Liverpool area.
The degree of contact between the Croatian and the young striker was debatable but Lovren was late and nowhere near the ball as Pérez tumbled over his outstretched leg. Carver’s complaints continued down the tunnel at half-time.
Pérez almost levelled with a flying header from Daryl Janmaat’s cross, only for Simon Mignolet to produce a fine save, and Mehdi Abeid sliced over from Sissoko’s inviting ball as Liverpool’s performance became increasingly disjointed. Lovren and Glen Johnson spread palpitations throughout Anfield with cumbersome second-half displays but Newcastle could not capitalise.
Liverpool, even while struggling to reassert their earlier control, carried the more potent threat.
Sterling should have scored his second when Taylor completely missed Henderson’s cross from the right and allowed the ball to reach the winger standing six yards in front of goal. Somehow, Sterling side-footed his effort horribly wide. His blushes were spared by Joe Allen of all people with 20 minutes remaining. Newcastle dealt comfortably with a Henderson corner from the right but not with the return ball back into their box by Emre Can.
Can’s cross bounced off Mike Williamson and before the Newcastle central defender could react, Allen despatched a snap-shot past Krul from close range.
The Wales international became the 18th different player to score for Liverpool this season with his first of the campaign, equalling a club record.

Manchester City’s James Milner considers move abroad

James Milner is considering leaving Manchester City in the summer to play abroad, with the midfielder holding initial talks with Milan, Roma and Internazionale, plus two clubs in Spain.
Milner’s contract expires in the close season and at 29 he knows this is his last chance of a major move. He earns around £90,000 a-week on the five-year contract he agreed when moving to City in 2010 from Aston Villa but there would be a sizeable signing-on fee should Milner decide to depart.

Although the midfielder has won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and one League Cup at City, he would like to start more regularly under Manuel Pellegrini.
Now in his fifth season at the club, Milner has made 139 appearances in the Premier League of which 84 have been starts. This season he has been started 13 times, less than half of the 28 matches, and has featured 34 times in all competitions.
Pellegrini has repeatedly said there is a firm wish for Milner to sign a contract but there is a sense at the Etihad Stadium the player may fancy a fresh challenge.
Speaking at the end of last month, Pellegrini said: “All the people at the club who decide if James stays or goes want him to stay. There are two parts to a contract and James must decide what he wants to do with his future.”
Milner, who is a regular in Roy Hodgson’s England squad, is also frustrated at not being played in his favoured central midfield position at City, the role he drew praise for when playing at Villa and which convinced Roberto Mancini, Pellegrini’s predecessor, to sign him in a deal worth around £26m. Milner is mainly used as an auxiliary winger or forward by Pellegrini.
City are Milner’s fourth permanent club. He has played for Villa, Newcastle and Leeds United, where he made his professional debut as a 16-year-old. He also appeared for Swindon Town, where he played on loan for a month 12 years ago.

Birthday dream final alive for Steven Gerrard the peripheral visionary

This 700th appearance of Steven Gerrard’s glittering career was the latest evidence of how Brendan Rodgers is building a Liverpool for that fast-approaching day when the captain is no longer at the club. The juncture arrives at the close of this season and while Gerrard is not yet Yesterday’s Man, he becomes ever more peripheral.
A sign of these times was how his presence in this XI as a holding midfielder could be seen as a throwback move by Rodgers, who since a 3-0 defeat at Manchester United on 14 December has preferred Jordan Henderson, the vice-captain, and Lucas Leiva as his central pistons: a selection that has been the catalyst for Liverpool’s best form of the campaign, losing only once in 13 outings after this late, late victory over Bolton Wanderers.
It may seem harsh to bill the Gerrard-Joe Allen combination Rodgers sent out here – and which had minimal effect during a sluggish first half against Neil Lennon’s side – as a second-string duo, especially given the 34-year-old’s fair claim at being the best to ever pull on the famous red shirt. Yet this is what Gerrard and Allen are, the latter having last played in the initial fourth-round encounter with Bolton on 24 January and previously featuring in the league in that dismal defeat to United.
Going into this replay, Rodgers’ side had strung a fine run of form together that featured only one loss – in the Capital One Cup semi-final second leg at Chelsea – since the Old Trafford reverse. That Sunday in Manchester was the last time defeat in the Premier League has been tasted – a seven-match unbeaten sequence in the competition – as Rodgers’s men have gradually clicked into the kind of form that took them close to last season’s Premier League title.
What has emerged is the de facto shape of Liverpool in the post-Gerrard era that starts next season. In this fresh 3-4-2-1 system Lucas and Henderson are the midfield generals, Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge – if he can stay healthy – the prime attacking forces, Philippe Coutinho the chief-supplier of trickery, with Emre Can, Martin Skrtel and Mamadou Sakho in defence, in front of a rejuvenated Simon Mignolet, the goalkeeper.
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While Skrtel was at fault for Eidur Gudjohnsen’s 59th-minute penalty that gave Bolton the lead – the defender brought down Zach Clough – a key move as Rodgers formulated his blueprint was to shift Gerrard from the holding role to a freer detail.
The pace of change engineered since by Rodgers is such that it was telling how his manager rested both Henderson, who was on the bench, and Lucas, who did not even make the match-day 18. While Sturridge’s place sitting down alongside Henderson was due to Rodgers wanting to ease his star striker back following a long injury layoff, the vice-captain and his new midfield partner were being saved for Saturday’s late-afternoon visit to Everton for the Merseyside derby.
Gerrard’s ever-receding status meant it is reasonable to ponder if his starting spot against Bolton means he may not be in the XI for the 224th edition of the Liverpool-Everton squabble.
Given Gerrard’s enduring class and how Goodison Park has proved a happy hunting ground during his 17 years at the club this would still be as much of a shock as his being left out for the Champions League game at Real Madrid this term.
Yet by the time Gudjohnsen put Bolton ahead Henderson had replaced Adam Lallana and it was Gerrard’s place he initially took in midfield as the senior man went out wide.
Only Allen’s departure restored Gerrard centrally and though there had been flashes of the old style – one first-half pass served instantly into Sterling set the striker clear – the greater evidence was of how he is more muted these days, proving ineffective as Liverpool tried to avert being knocked out.
Instead it was left to Sterling and Coutinho, two vibrant symbols of Liverpool’s brave new world, to do what Gerrard could not: score the late equaliser and even later winner respectively, and which ensured Liverpool went through and can still win the FA Cup.