English footballer. Arsenal attacker and England forward.
Football rules have introduced five-second countdowns for goal-kicks and throw-ins, aiming to cut stoppage time and alter player behaviour. Substitutions must leave the field within 10 seconds, with potential 10-player spells if protocols are ignored. The changes apply from early rounds to the top flight, excluding VAR. The policy targets delays like ball-on-cone restarts and slow goal-kicks while allowing exemptions for injuries or safety.
Josh Kerr has delivered a landmark season, winning the Ultimate Championship 1500m and collecting multiple titles, as Amy Hunt also posts a record-breaking year. The duo’s success fuels discussion over BBC SPOTY selection amid a strong athletics year.
England manager Sarina Wiegman has left Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly out of a playoff squad, saying their levels on the pitch have not matched expectations. She still believes in them and says they can do better, while naming Lexi Potter and Freya Godfrey among new call-ups ahead of October’s World Cup qualifying playoff vs Greece.
England faces a two-leg playoff against Greece to reach next year’s World Cup in Brazil. The head coach has called up Ella Toone after leaving her out of the initial squad, a decision tied to current form. Lucy Bronze has sustained a small injury and has returned to Chelsea, while Toone has stated she will use the setback as motivation.