117-479: Mark Geraint Sampson (born 18 October 1982) is a Welsh football coach who was most recently a first team coach at Stevenage . Born in Creigiau , Wales, Sampson played amateur football for Cardiff Corinthians . He began his coaching career with Cardiff City at youth levels before a spell with Swansea City at their centre of excellence. Sampson began his management career with Taff's Well in 2008. He moved into
234-428: A gable with a clock sitting on its roof above the half-way line , as well as holding a television gantry on its roof. The North Terrace was situated behind the goal at the north end of the ground and was just seven steps deep. Three-quarters of the terrace was covered, whilst one-quarter was open and without cover. The stand held a capacity of 700 people, and offered facilities for disabled fans. In January 2013,
351-473: A "significant" financial settlement to Sampson, on the week his claim for unfair dismissal was due to be heard in court. He was replaced by Phil Neville , who had played at Manchester United – including in their 1999 treble winning season – and Everton and been capped by the England men but had never before held a high-profile managing job. After being appointed manager, Neville's first games in charge were at
468-472: A barrister, Katharine Newton, which cleared Sampson. The FA reasserted, in their press release regarding his dismissal, that they continued to have confidence in those findings and his dismissal was unrelated to that issue saying, "In respect of investigations into specific allegations made by Eniola Aluko in 2016, The FA stands by the findings of the independent barrister Katharine Newton's investigation. Sampson subsequently brought an unfair dismissal case against
585-413: A bid to help differentiate the coverage and allow people to follow the women's team more easily without getting lost in conversation about the men which was using the same generic #ThreeLions branding at the time. The name started to be used organically by fans and media outlets before The Football Association adopted it as an official brand identity, including with commercial and licensing partners, ahead of
702-617: A biennial event to a quadrennial one. England qualified via the play-offs for the 2001 competition held in Germany, despite recording their biggest loss (away against Norway 8–0) during qualification, but did not advance past the group stage. England automatically qualified as hosts in 2005 , but again did not make it to the semi-finals. Qualification for the World Cup changed for the 1999 edition . European qualifiers were introduced, so that teams no longer needed to rely on advancing to
819-621: A brief spell as caretaker manager with the club. Sampson departed the club in 2021. Born and raised in Creigiau , a suburb of Cardiff , Sampson played amateur football for a host of clubs in Wales including Cardiff Corinthians . After completing a BA in sports development at the University of Wales Institute , Sampson was employed by the Football Association of Wales Trust in 2003 as a coach co-ordinator. He went on to become
936-524: A coach, teaching youth players at Cardiff City . In 2007, Sampson became head of Swansea City 's centre of excellence whilst the club was under the management of Roberto Martínez , working there until 2009. He was appointed manager of Welsh Football League club Taff's Well in November 2008, having previously been youth team coach at the club. The following year, he was also appointed manager of FA Women's Premier League club Bristol Academy . He led
1053-606: A competitive final at the new Wembley Stadium in 2007, beating Kidderminster Harriers 3–2 to lift the FA Trophy in front of a competition record crowd of 53,262. They won the competition again in 2009. The club has also produced a number of notable results in the FA Cup against high-profile opposition. Stevenage Borough was formed in 1976 following the bankruptcy of Stevenage Athletic . Chairman Keith Berners, and "a number of like-minded volunteers" were tasked with arranging
1170-484: A further four suspended, the maximum number they could deduct without relegating them, highlighting this as a key factor in the sanctions they had chosen to impose. The EFL successfully appealed against the panel's sanctions on Macclesfield, winning on 11 August; the four suspended points were applied to the 2019–20 season, meaning Stevenage finished 23rd and so remained in League Two. Under Revell's management,
1287-598: A national side that competes in all major tournaments, with the exception of the Women's Olympic Football Tournament . England have qualified for the FIFA Women's World Cup six times, reaching the quarter-finals in 1995 , 2007 and 2011 , finishing fourth in 2019 , third in 2015 and as runners-up in 2023 . Since 2019, England, as the highest-ranked Home Nation, have been able to qualify an Olympic team on behalf of Great Britain ; other British players may be selected in
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#17327651312351404-514: A new contract and replaced him with Teddy Sheringham in May 2015, taking on his first managerial role. Sheringham was sacked in February 2016 with the club positioned in 19th. First-team coach Darren Sarll took caretaker charge for the remainder of the season and was given the role on a permanent basis after helping the club secure League Two safety. During Sarll's first full season in the charge,
1521-642: A new high in the FIFA rankings as the Lionesses climbed to second after strong Euro 2017 showing. On 20 September 2017, Sampson was sacked as the manager of the England women's national team because of what the FA described as, "clear evidence of inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour by a coach" during his tenure as the manager of Bristol Academy prior to his appointment as England coach in 2014. An FA investigation into
1638-438: A nine-match winless run, three points above the relegation places, Steve Evans was appointed as manager. The club won four of their final nine matches to avoid relegation and finish in 21st position. During the 2022–23 season , under Evans' management, Stevenage earned promotion into League One after finishing in second place in League Two . That season, the club also defeated Premier League club Aston Villa at Villa Park in
1755-423: A possible opening date of 2023. The site is being designed to revolutionise women's football in England. In the wake of the World Cup exit, England's form dropped as the team struggled in a series of friendlies to end the year including a 2–1 defeat by Germany at Wembley Stadium on 9 November 2019. The game set a new record attendance for an England women's match at 77,768, becoming the second-biggest crowd for
1872-471: A record for either the women's or men's European Championship. Soon after Euro 2022, the England players wrote an open letter to Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss , the candidates in the ongoing Conservative Party leadership election , in which they declared their "legacy and goal was to inspire a nation". They saw their victory "as only the beginning". The letter pointed out that only 63% of British girls could play football in school PE lessons and concluded: "We –
1989-538: A result of the council re-purchasing the stadium. Following Stevenage's successful 1995–96 Football Conference campaign , the Hertfordshire club were denied promotion to the Football League because of insufficient ground capacity and facilities. In the early 2000s, the ground was upgraded, with a new £600,000 stand opening, including an executive suite underneath. In January 2009, Stevenage signed
2106-745: A senior club, the team won the United Counties League Division One championship, scoring over a hundred goals. The club also won the United Counties League Cup during the same season. After three successive seasons in the United Counties Premier Division , the club joined Division Two North of the Isthmian League in 1984, and the following season earned promotion to Isthmian League Division One after finishing
2223-689: A seven-figure sponsorship deal with the Lamex Food Group, resulting in the renaming of Broadhall Way to The Lamex Stadium. As a result of the club securing promotion as league champions during the club's 2009–10 season , Broadhall Way hosted League football for the first time during the 2010–11 season . The ground's pitch includes four stands – the East Terrace, the North Stand, the West Stand, and South Stand. The West Stand
2340-530: A team to play Hitchin Town Youth at Broadhall Way in November 1976, as a "curtain-raiser" for the new club. However, the Broadhall Way pitch was subsequently dug up for non-footballing purposes after Stevenage Borough Council sold the land to a local businessman, who dug a trench across the full length of the pitch to ensure no football was played. Consequently, the new club started out playing in
2457-509: A two-goal deficit to defeat their northern opponents 3–2 , with Sylvia Gore scoring England's first international goal. Pat Firth scored a hat-trick in an international against Scotland in 1973 among the 8–0 scoreline. Tom Tranter replaced Worthington as long term manager of the women's national football team and remained in that position for the next six years. Martin Reagan was appointed to replace Tranter in 1979. England reached
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#17327651312352574-528: A win in the opening month of the season and Maamria was subsequently sacked in September 2019. First-team coach Mark Sampson took caretaker charge, but with the club in 23rd-place after several months under his management, Graham Westley returned for a fourth spell in December 2019. Two months later, Westley resigned, and was replaced by Alex Revell , who had previously assumed the role of player-coach at
2691-849: A women's game on English soil after the 2012 Olympic final which was watched by 80,203 at the same venue. The poor run continued into 2020 as England failed to defend their title at the 2020 SheBelieves Cup in March. Losses to the United States and Spain made it seven defeats in 11 games, the team's worst stretch since 2003, mounting further pressure on Neville, who admitted he was personally responsible for England's "unacceptable" form amid increased media scrutiny. In April 2020, Neville announced he would step down as manager when his contract expired in July 2021. Originally his tenure would have extended to England's hosting of UEFA Women's Euro 2021 , but
2808-555: A £5million training facility in nearby Shephalbury Park in the Autumn of 2002. In June 2011, the club announced it had secured a 42-acre former sports ground in Bragbury End – with the intention of developing the site into a new training complex. Work began on the development in the summer of 2011, and the staff began to use the complex towards the latter stages of the 2012–13 season . Stevenage's highest Football League finish
2925-647: Is a professional association football club based in the town of Stevenage , Hertfordshire , England. The club competes in EFL League One , the third level of the English football league system . They play their home games at Broadhall Way in Stevenage. Founded in 1976 following the demise of the town's former club, they joined the United Counties League in 1980 and enjoyed success in
3042-438: Is all-seated and covered, and covers the length of the pitch, although it has open corners to either side of the stand. At the back of the stand there are a number of glass-fronted areas to various club offices and executive boxes. The club shop is situated next to the West Stand, opposite to the club's official car-park. Opposite to the West Stand is the East Terrace, which is a covered terrace for home supporters. The terrace has
3159-461: Is reserved for away supporters and can hold a capacity of 1,400. The stand also has an electronic scoreboard in the centre of the roof, which was installed in 2001, making it visible to home supporters. The scoreboard was replaced in October 2011. Behind the stand is the supporters' club. A new set of floodlights were installed before the start of the club's 2007–08 season . The club opened
3276-459: The 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup . The name was also used in an updated version of the popular English anthem " Three Lions " during England's ultimately successful Women's Euro 2022 run, which Fara Williams, Rachel Yankey, Faye White, Rachel Brown-Finnis and Anita Asante performed along with Chelcee Grimes and original artists Lightning Seeds and David Baddiel (with another original artist, Frank Skinner , in attendance). Baddiel, Skinner and
3393-468: The 2018 SheBelieves Cup . In their first game, England defeated France 4–1, then drew 2–2 against Germany. They went into the final game against the United States with the opportunity to win the tournament, but lost 1–0. Second place was the highest England had finished at the SheBelieves Cup. England continued with World Cup qualification in 2018. On 6 April they drew 0–0 against Wales. After
3510-520: The 2019 Women's World Cup in France, England won group D, beating local rivals Scotland and archrival Argentina to qualify for the knockout phase, before beating Japan. England beat both Cameroon and then Norway 3–0 to advance to the semifinal against United States in Lyon – the team's third straight major tournament semifinal. However, similar to the previous two tournaments, England once again failed to make
3627-518: The 2019–20 season in 23rd place, but were reprieved from relegation thanks to Bury 's expulsion from League One , and after Macclesfield Town was deducted four points for failing to both pay their players' wages and to fulfil a fixture. The following season Stevenage finished in 14th place. Sampson remained with the club until his departure on 8 November 2021. Bristol Academy England Women Stevenage F.C. Stevenage Football Club (known as Stevenage Borough Football Club until 2010)
Mark Sampson - Misplaced Pages Continue
3744-841: The European Championships in Finland , England marked their return to the recently expanded 12-team competition by reaching the final for the first time in 25 years. They advanced from Group C to the quarter-finals by virtue of being the top third-placed team, beating both the hosts and the Netherlands in the knockout stage on the way to the final . There they lost 6–2 to reigning champions Germany. England reached their third World Cup in 2011 , having won Group 5 and their play-off 5–2 over two legs against Switzerland . In Germany, they topped Group B – ahead of eventual winners Japan . England were paired with France in
3861-532: The Herts Senior Cup for the first time, beating Cheshunt 2–1 in the final, and the FA Trophy, where they beat York City 2–0 in the final . The following season, Westley retained the majority of the squad and Stevenage were positioned in first place by New Year's Day . The squad won eight consecutive games through February and March 2010, and Stevenage were promoted to the Football League for
3978-610: The Lionesses , has been governed by the Football Association (FA) since 1993, having been previously administered by the Women's Football Association (WFA). England played its first international match in November 1972 against Scotland . Although most national football teams represent a sovereign state , England is permitted by FIFA statutes, as a member of the United Kingdom's Home Nations , to maintain
4095-549: The London Overground lines were given names, the line from Watford Junction to Euston that includes Wembley Central was christened the Lioness Line in the team's honour. The 2019 media campaign in announcing the World Cup squad was part of a broad marketing ambition to make the players into more recognisable stars to promote the team, the competition, and women's football. Using celebrities with connections to
4212-484: The UEFA Women's Euro 2017 Sampson again led England to the semi-finals. Marking a significant shift from the previous EURO's in 2013 where England failed to win a single match and were eliminated at the group stage of the tournament. England began the tournament with an impressive 6-0 opening day win against rivals Scotland. They went on to defeat tournament favourites Spain 2-0 and Portugal by two goals to one to reach
4329-404: The Women's Euro 2022 Final at Wembley, with Chloe Kelly 's 110th-minute close-range goal from a corner being the decider after goals in normal time by Ella Toone for England and Lina Magull for Germany. It was the team's first-ever major trophy and was the first major international championship won by an England team (women's or men's) since 1966 . The final was watched by a crowd of 87,192,
4446-496: The 23 members of the England Senior Women's EURO Squad – ask you to make it a priority to invest in girls' football in schools, so that every girl has the choice". With a further series of wins and draws including a friendly win against the United States at Wembley and qualifying for the 2023 Women's World Cup, the team ended 2022 having gone unbeaten for the calendar year. In December at BBC Sports Personality of
4563-566: The Chiltern Youth league on a roped-off pitch at the town's King George V playing fields, and moved up to intermediate status, joining the Wallspan Southern Combination shortly after. Stevenage Borough Council granted consent for the club to incorporate the name "Borough" in their title and to adopt the town's civic emblem as the club badge. In 1980, the council reacquired the lease for Broadhall Way and allowed
4680-861: The Euro and World Cup finals were broadcast by Channel 4 ( Euro 2017 only) and Eurosport . In 2015, the World Cup squad won the BT Sport Action Woman Awards Team of the Year award. In 2019, the World Cup squad won the GQ Men of the Year Inspiration Award. The 23-player squad and coach Sarina Wiegman who won the 2022 Euro, the women's team's first major international title, received several honours that year, including: This list includes match results from
4797-487: The FA Cup third round . Stevenage trailed in the match, before scoring two goals in the final two minutes to win 2–1. During the 2023–24 season, Stevenage were in the play-off hunt for most of the season. However, Evans left for Rotherham United towards the end of the season. The club has had five crests since its formation in 1976. The first club crest was created in 1980 when Stevenage took on senior status, adopting
Mark Sampson - Misplaced Pages Continue
4914-492: The FA. On 18 October 2017, the FA apologised to players Eniola Aluko and Drew Spence after Katharine Newton concluded, on a balance of probabilities, in a third investigation that Mark Sampson made comments that were "discriminatory on the grounds of race". The FA agreed to pay a "significant " financial settlement to Sampson in January 2019, on the week his claim for unfair dismissal was due to be heard in court. Mark Sampson
5031-553: The Football League as Stevenage Football Club, dropping the word 'Borough' from its name as of June 2010. Stevenage's first Football League fixture was against Macclesfield Town in August 2010, ending in a 2–2 draw at Broadhall Way. Following four defeats in six games in December 2010 and January 2011, the club were in 18th position, just four points above the relegation zone. During a congested period throughout February and March 2011, Stevenage won nine games out of eleven, propelling
5148-679: The Isthmian League Premier Division. A third promotion in four years followed at the end of the 1993–94 season , as Stevenage were promoted to the Football Conference after winning the Isthmian League Premier Division . Two seasons later, Stevenage won the Conference, but were denied promotion to the Football League , due to insufficient ground facilities, thus reprieving Torquay United , who had finished in last place of Division Three . During
5265-549: The Lightning Seeds later also not only referenced the team and their Women's Euro 2022 championship in " Three Lions (It's Coming Home for Christmas) ", a remake for the men's World Cup in Qatar that November and December, but also included footage of the players interrupting Wiegman's post-Euro final press conference singing the chorus and appearances from Bethany England and Jess Carter . In February 2024, when each of
5382-459: The Lionesses have finally won their first major trophy! England are European champions, and...(Pauses, crowd in background sings, "It's coming home, it's coming home, it's coming, football's coming home!" chorus from Three Lions ) Vicki Sparks 's radio call at the final whistle of the Women's Euro 2022 Final on BBC Radio 5 Live On 31 July, England defeated Germany 2–1 in extra time in
5499-470: The Women's game in 2009, becoming manager at Bristol Academy . He led the club to their highest league finish, as well as two cup finals. In 2013, Sampson was announced as the new manager of England women . After winning the Cyprus Cup in 2015, he led England to a third place finish at that year's World Cup . He was dismissed by the FA in 2017. He moved to Stevenage in 2019 as first-team coach and had
5616-531: The World XI. As European champions, England contested the 2023 Women's Finalissima against South American champions Brazil in April 2023, which they won on penalties. The team then suffered their first defeat under Wiegman days later, losing to Australia, to end a 30-match unbeaten run. Following the Euro win and a series of high-profile wins in the months afterward, the England squad was reported to newly carry
5733-763: The Year , Mead became the first female footballer to win the Sports Personality of the Year Award , with the team as a whole winning the Team of the Year Award and Wiegman winning the Sports Personality of the Year Coach Award . At The Best FIFA Football Awards 2022 , held in February 2023, Mary Earps won the Best Women's Goalkeeper award; Wiegman won the Best Women's Coach award; and Mead, Williamson, Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh were named to
5850-438: The allegations that led to his dismissal had concluded in 2014 that, "he did not pose a risk working in the game" but the decision to terminate his employment was taken when senior FA figures read the full report in 2017. This sacking followed FA investigations into allegations of racist behaviour and remarks by Sampson, brought by Eniola Aluko . The FA oversaw two investigations, the second of them an independent investigation by
5967-400: The aura of top teams that reflects winning confidence. At the 2023 World Cup , the Lionesses won their group, winning all three matches. England subsequently defeated Nigeria , Colombia and Australia in the knockout stages to reach their first World Cup final , where they lost 1–0 to Spain . The England women's national football team is widely nicknamed the Lionesses. The moniker
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#17327651312356084-507: The club again reached the UEFA Women`s Champions League. In December 2013 Sampson was appointed manager of the England women's team . In March 2015 England won the Cyprus Cup . In the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup later in the year, he led England to the semi-finals, marking the first time England had won a match beyond the group stage of a World Cup. After losing the semi-final to Japan, England secured victory in
6201-417: The club announced they were due to present plans to replace the existing North Terrace with a new £1.2 million 1,700 seat stand, although these did not materialise due to "numerous obstacles put in the way". In July 2017, the club asked fans to contribute towards a mini-bond investment scheme, through sports investment platform Tifosy, in an attempt to fund the remaining £500,000 needed to go towards developing
6318-424: The club finished 10th, one point from the play-off places. In May 2019, Wallace announced a 12% public equity offering, through sports investment platform Tifosy, with the aim of raising funds to invest in player wages and increase the transfer budget. The offer closed on 31 July 2019, at which time the club stated a total of £300,000 worth of shares had been purchased. The club started the 2019–20 season without
6435-403: The club finished the 2020–21 season in 14th position in League Two. After three victories in the first 16 matches of the 2021–22 season , Revell left his position as first-team manager and was replaced by Paul Tisdale in November 2021. Tisdale left the club in March 2022, with Stevenage having won three of his 21 matches as manager. With the club positioned in 22nd place in League Two after
6552-487: The club finished three points from the play-off positions. With Stevenage in 16th place during the 2017–18 season , Sarll was sacked in March 2018; Wallace stating the club "had not seen the progress expected" since making a number of signings during the January transfer window . Former player and first-team coach, Dino Maamria , replaced Sarll as manager. During the 2018–19 season , Maamria's first full season in charge,
6669-587: The club to 12th position, winning eight games out of a possible 12 in the league. During the 2004–05 season , Stevenage made the play–offs after finishing fifth under the guidance of Westley. The team lost 1–0 to Carlisle United at the Britannia Stadium in the play-off final . The following year, the team finished sixth, outside of the play-off places, and Westley's contract was not renewed, ending his three-and-a-half-year spell as manager. The club appointed Mark Stimson as their new manager and
6786-426: The club to finish as runners up in the 2013 FA WSL season, the club's best-ever finish, and to FA Women's Cup final for the first time in the clubs history in 2010–11 and repeated the achievement again in 2012–13 . Sampson was recognised as FAWSL Coach of the Year in 2011 in recognition of leading the club to their first ever appearance in the UEFA Women's Champions League , an achievement he repeated in 2013 when
6903-544: The club up the league table and into the play-off positions. Stevenage subsequently reached the League Two play-offs , finishing in sixth place. They faced Torquay United in the 2011 Football League Two play-off final on 28 May 2011 at Old Trafford . Stevenage won the game 1–0, securing a place in League One for the first time in the club's history, meaning the club had also earned back-to-back promotions. During
7020-424: The club's colours of red and white, as well as a hart – which features on both the Stevenage and Hertfordshire coat of arms. This crest was adjusted slightly in 2010 to remove the word 'Borough', in-line with the club's name change prior to playing in the Football League. The crest was modified ahead of the 2011–12 season by being placed in a shield, but reverted to the former version two years later. A new crest
7137-578: The club's first year at senior status; winning the United Counties League Division One and the United Counties League Cup. Following three promotions in four seasons in the early 1990s, the club were promoted to the Conference National in 1994. Despite winning the league in the 1995–96 season , the club were denied promotion to the Football League due to insufficient ground facilities. Stevenage remained in
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#17327651312357254-469: The club. The team finished in 18th place that season. A further squad overhaul took place ahead of the 2013–14 season and Stevenage were ultimately relegated back to League Two after finishing in last place in the League One standings that season. The team made the play-off semi-finals in their first season back in League Two , losing to Southend United . The club opted against offering Westley
7371-611: The club. The club were in last place of League Two when the season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. EFL clubs formally agreed to end the season during an EFL meeting on 9 June 2020, although "ongoing disciplinary matters" involving 23rd-placed Macclesfield Town , who had not paid their players on six separate occasions during the season, meant Stevenage might be reprieved. Stevenage were initially relegated from League Two after an independent disciplinary panel opted to deduct Macclesfield two points on 19 June, with
7488-451: The end of the season. New management under Smith, alongside a change in transfer policy, resulted in a complete squad overhaul. Stevenage were positioned within the top six places midway through the 2012–13 season , but a run of 14 losses from 18 matches from December 2012 meant the club were closer to the relegation places three months later. Smith was subsequently sacked in March 2013 and replaced by Westley, returning for his third spell at
7605-525: The event of qualification. They reached the final of the UEFA Women's Championship in 1984 and 2009 , and won in 2022 , marking the first time since 1966 that any England senior football team had won a major championship. England have also competed in the UEFA Women's Nations League since the inaugural 2023–24 season. The success of the men's national football team at the 1966 FIFA World Cup led to an upsurge of interest in football from women within England. The Women's Football Association (WFA)
7722-495: The final of the inaugural European Competition for Women's Football , in 1984, after beating Denmark 3–1 on aggregate in the semi-finals. Despite resolute defending, including a spectacular goal line clearance from captain Carol Thomas , the England team lost the first away leg 1–0 against Sweden , after a header from Pia Sundhage , but won the second home leg by the same margin, with a goal from Linda Curl . England lost
7839-507: The final play-off place, losing 1–0 on aggregate to Sheffield United in the semi-final. Stevenage also reached the Fifth Round of the FA Cup for the first time in their history during the season, losing 3–1 to Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur in a replay at White Hart Lane , after the two teams drew 0–0 at Broadhall Way. The majority of the squad that had helped the club win back-to-back promotions into League One departed at
7956-424: The final, losing 2–1. Alex Morgan scored the winner after Ellen White had equalised following Christen Press ' opening goal, while White had an equaliser ruled out by VAR and Houghton had a penalty saved by Alyssa Naeher . The team finished in fourth after losing the third place play-off to Sweden 2–1. In March 2019 Winsford was chosen for the site of the £70m Cheshire FA Centre of Excellence, which will be
8073-477: The final. England eventually finished in third place by beating Germany 1–0 after extra time after a Williams penalty, their first time beating their archrivals in the women's game. It marked the best finish for any England senior team since the men's team famously won the 1966 World Cup as hosts. England qualified for the UEFA Women's Euro 2017 in the Netherlands and won all three of their group games at
8190-404: The finances and the relationship with the local council. During the 2001–02 season , the club reached the FA Trophy final for the first time, losing 2–0 to Yeovil Town at Villa Park . The following season, Stevenage were positioned in last place of the Conference National in January, seven points from safety. The club appointed Graham Westley as manager in January 2003. Westley guided
8307-408: The first time in the club's history with two games to spare. Promotion was secured thanks to a 2–0 victory at Kidderminster Harriers, as Stevenage finished the season 11 points clear at the top of the table. The club reached the final of the FA Trophy again , losing to Barrow 2–1 after extra-time. Shortly after the end of the season, chairman Phil Wallace stated that the club will start its life in
8424-546: The first time the club had ever beaten first tier opposition. In their first season in the third tier of English football, Stevenage were positioned in the League One play-off places following a fourteen-game unbeaten run that lasted for three months. In January 2012, Westley opted to leave Stevenage in order to take up the vacant managerial position at Preston North End . Former Colorado Rapids manager Gary Smith replaced Westley. A run of four wins in their last five games meant that Stevenage finished in sixth, thus taking
8541-499: The football club to become its tenant. With the council as their landlords and a refurbished stadium, Stevenage Borough took on senior status, under the management of Derek Montgomery, and joined the United Counties Football League in the same year. The club's first competitive league match was a 3–1 victory against ON Chenecks on 16 August 1980, played in front of 421 people. In their first season as
8658-704: The group stage matches: 1–0 against Austria at Old Trafford in Manchester ; 8–0 against Norway at the Falmer Stadium in Brighton and Hove (a new European Championship record score); and 5–0 against Northern Ireland at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton . In the quarter-final, England recovered from being a goal behind against Spain to win 2–1 in extra time at the Falmer Stadium. In
8775-472: The last 16 to play 1995 champions Norway. A 2–1 win set up a meeting with hosts Canada in the quarter-finals. Despite facing not only a strong Canadian team but a capacity partisan crowd at BC Place in Vancouver, England progressed to the semifinals of the Women's World Cup for the first time in their history with another 2–1 win, which also marked the first semifinal appearance by any England senior team since
8892-678: The last three editions, but were beaten 6–2 on aggregate over two legs against Germany . Reaching the European semi-finals granted England a place at the World Cup for the first time. The team advanced from the group stage of the 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup in Sweden, but lost out again to Germany 3–0 in the quarter-finals. Hope Powell became the team's first full-time head coach in June 1998, succeeding her former coach Copeland. The European Championship expanded in 1997 to eight teams and moved from
9009-758: The latter stages of the European Championship. England qualified unbeaten for the 2007 World Cup in China , winning Group 5 in the European qualifiers and recording their biggest win (away against Hungary , 13–0) in the process, ending a 12-year hiatus from the competition. After coming second in their group, they advanced into the quarter-finals to face the United States but lost 3–0. In May 2009, central contracts were implemented to help players focus on full-time training without having to fit it around full-time employment. Three months later, at
9126-402: The majority of the first-team at the club, Stevenage started the 2007–08 season by breaking a new club record when the defence kept eight consecutive clean sheets . Stimson was offered a new contract by Stevenage in October 2007, but resigned the following day and subsequently joined Football League club Gillingham . In November 2007, he was replaced by Peter Taylor . After failing to make
9243-538: The match for third place, beating Germany for the first time in 21 games. Post the tournament Sampson was recognised for Englands record breaking achievement by being nominated for Women's Coach of the Year at the 2015 Ballon d'Dor FIFA Football Awards. Following the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup Sampson became one of the youngest coaches in the UK to complete the prestigious coaching award the UEFA Pro Licence. In
9360-504: The men reached the last four of the 1990 World Cup in Italy. Playing reigning World Cup holders Japan in the semi-finals, England conceded a penalty kick, which Aya Miyama converted past Karen Bardsley. Japan then conceded a penalty as Yuki Ogimi clipped Steph Houghton and Fara Williams slotted it past Ayumi Kaihori to level the game. However, in the last minute of the game, Laura Bassett scored an own goal to send Japan through to
9477-574: The men's national team, in a friendly against the reigning European champions Germany on 23 November 2014. England had not played Germany since their heavy defeat in the European Championship final five years earlier. They lost the match 3–0, marking the 20th attempt at which England had failed to record an official win over Germany . At the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada, England lost their opening group game to France but won their remaining group games against Mexico and Colombia, easing through to
9594-792: The most number of appearances for Stevenage is held by Ronnie Henry , who played 502 matches in all competitions over two spells with the club. Martin Gittings is the club's top goalscorer with 217 goals in all competitions. He is the only player to have scored over 100 goals for the club. Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules . Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality. Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules . Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality. Directors Management Source: League Cup England women%27s national football team The England women's national football team , nicknamed
9711-469: The new North Stand. Five weeks after the campaign started, the £500,000 target was met after investment from over 200 fans. The North Terrace was demolished in January 2018. The 1,428 all-seater stand was officially opened in December 2019. Opposite the North Stand is the South Stand, which is a single tiered, all-seated covered stand. The stand was built in 2001, costing £600,000. The South Stand
9828-622: The new home of the England Women's Football Team. It will also act as a training base for European teams playing in Liverpool and Manchester. The development was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020. In October 2020 the Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave his support for the development to go ahead; planning applications are expected to be submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council in spring 2021 with
9945-405: The past 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled. Win Draw Lose Void or Postponed Fixture The following 24 players were named to the squad for the friendly matches against the United States and Switzerland on 30 November and 3 December 2024 respectively. Maya Le Tissier withdrew from
10062-419: The play-offs . The club achieved their highest league finish during the 2011–12 season courtesy of a sixth-placed finish in League One. The core of the team that helped guide the club to its success throughout 2009 to 2012 departed, and Stevenage were relegated back into League Two at the end of the 2013–14 season . The club has also enjoyed success in national cup competitions, becoming the first team to win
10179-413: The play-offs, Taylor resigned at the end of the season and was replaced by former manager Graham Westley. On Westley's return, Stevenage started the season slowly before going on a 27–game unbeaten run from December to March and reached the play-offs, where they lost in the semi-finals to Cambridge United , 4–3 on aggregate. During the same season, Stevenage enjoyed success in cup competitions; winning
10296-576: The players to make social media facing announcements, the marketing agency received praise for the campaign, which successfully increased social media engagement. A documentary film, The Lionesses: How Football Came Home , was produced about the 2022 Euro win and released later that year. It has been reported that the team's campaign at the 2023 World Cup will also be given a documentary. England matches at selected international tournaments are currently broadcast by ITV Sport (excluding Euro and World Cup finals) and BBC (major finals). Previously,
10413-420: The qualifying games in June, England and Wales were guaranteed the first two spots in qualifying Group 1, and England's 3–0 win against Wales in August 2018 saw them clinch the group and qualify for the World Cup finals. In the 2019 SheBelieves Cup , England won the tournament for the first time after winning their first match 2–1 against Brazil, drawing 2–2 with the United States and defeating Japan 3–0. In
10530-420: The quarter-finals, with the match ending in a 1–1 draw. England had taken the lead with Jill Scott 's chip, only to have Élise Bussaglia equalise with two minutes remaining. After extra time ended in stalemate, they lost the ensuing penalty shootout 4–3. Karen Bardsley had saved Camille Abily 's initial penalty but misses by Claire Rafferty and Faye White sent England out of the competition. Powell left
10647-406: The replay at St James' Park , a goal from Alan Shearer that "appeared to not cross the line" proved the difference. Despite earning a large amount of revenue from the two respective cup runs, news emerged that the club were in financial difficulties and that the chairman, Victor Green, was going to close the club down if no buyer was found. Phil Wallace purchased the club and set about rebuilding
10764-399: The result was a re-creation of the diagonal stripes worn from 1996 to 1998. A table of kit suppliers and shirt sponsors appear below: The club plays at Broadhall Way, previously home to Stevenage Town and Stevenage Athletic. Following the bankruptcy of the town's former club, the stadium was not used for three years. The newly formed Stevenage Borough moved into Broadhall Way in 1980 as
10881-479: The role from September 2021, Hege Riise was named caretaker manager until then. Riise oversaw a 6–0 friendly win over Northern Ireland in her first game in charge. On 14 August 2020, the FA announced it had reached a four-year deal with Netherlands manager Sarina Wiegman, who agreed to take over the team from September 2021, becoming the first non-British permanent manager. Entering as England began their 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification , Wiegman wanted
10998-415: The role in August 2013 after a poor showing at the UEFA Women's Euro 2013 , with England bowing out after the group stage. Welshman Mark Sampson succeeded Powell as England manager. England qualified for their third successive World Cup in August 2014 with a game to spare, winning all ten matches and topping Group 6 . England played their first international match at the new Wembley Stadium , home to
11115-463: The same season, Stevenage equalled their previous best performance in the FA Cup, reaching the Fourth Round of the competition before losing 2–1 to Reading . In the previous round, Stevenage were drawn against Premier League club Newcastle United, whom they had previously met, and lost over two "bitter" games, during the 1997–98 season. Stevenage subsequently beat Newcastle 3–1 at Broadhall Way,
11232-588: The same season, the club reached the First Round of the FA Cup for the first time, losing 2–1 to Hereford United of the Third Division at Edgar Street . The 1996–97 season saw the club progress to the Third Round of the FA Cup for the first time after a 2–1 victory against Leyton Orient at Brisbane Road . They were drawn against Birmingham City at Broadhall Way, but ground issues saw
11349-511: The season as champions. Two years later, the club were relegated back to the Division Two North, having finished second bottom of the division. Brian Williams was tasked with steadying the club following the relegation; appointed as manager in July 1988. He spent two full seasons in charge, guiding Stevenage to two fourth-place finishes. Paul Fairclough was appointed as the club's manager in June 1990 and he would ultimately guide
11466-400: The semi final against France. In a close match England beat France for the first time in 43 years thanks to a superb goal from Jodie Taylor as the Lionesses won 1-0 and earned a place in the semi final against tournament hosts the Netherlands. In the semi final England came up short and were defeated 3-0 by the eventual tournament winners. As a result of their achievements England Women reached
11583-568: The semi-final at Bramall Lane in Sheffield , they defeated Sweden 4–0, the highlight of this match being a goal scored by Alessia Russo with an "instinctive backheel" that was later nominated for the FIFA Puskás Award . No more years of hurt! No more need for dreaming , because dreams have become reality at Wembley! After 56 long years , it is glory against Germany once again, and this time, it yields history of its own because
11700-405: The subsequent penalty shootout 4–3. Theresa Wiseman saved Helen Johansson 's penalty but both Curl and Lorraine Hanson had their spot kicks saved by Elisabeth Leidinge . At the 1987 European Competition for Women's Football , England again reached the semi-finals but lost 3–2 after extra time against holders Sweden, in a repeat of the previous final. The team settled for fourth, after losing
11817-480: The team finished in eighth position in Stimson's first season as manager. That season, the club reached the FA Trophy final again, where they came back from 2–0 down to beat Kidderminster Harriers 3–2 in front of a record FA Trophy crowd of 53,262. The victory meant that Stevenage were the first team to win a competitive final at the new Wembley Stadium . After the FA Trophy success in 2007, as well as keeping
11934-402: The team to be ruthless, beginning a streak of large winning goal margins in both competitive and friendly matches, including a "humiliating" defeat of the Netherlands. On 30 November 2021, during qualification for the 2023 World Cup , Ellen White became England's all-time record goals scorer (overtaking Kelly Smith ), during a 20–0 win over Latvia , in which she scored a hat-trick. The game
12051-518: The team to four league titles in eight years. The club won promotion during the 1990–91 season , Fairclough's first season in charge, winning 34 of their 42 games. The league triumph included winning every match played at home, scoring 122 goals and amassing 107 points. The following season, Stevenage won the Isthmian League Division One title, remaining unbeaten at home for the second consecutive season, and were promoted to
12168-420: The team wore red and white stripes. This changed from 1980 to 1988 when the club adopted plain red shirts and white shorts, although did wear an all red strip during the 1982–83 season . The club reverted to stripes from 1988, and the strip design has varied considerably over the years. To mark the 40th anniversary of the club during the 2016–17 season, supporters were consulted about their favourite strip and
12285-604: The third place play-off against Italy 2–1. Reagan was sacked after England's 6–1 quarter-final loss against Germany at UEFA Women's Euro 1991 , which left them unable to qualify for the inaugural FIFA Women's World Cup . John Bilton was appointed as head coach in 1991 after Barrie Williams 's brief tenure. In 1993, the FA took over the running of women's football in England from the WFA, replacing Bilton with Ted Copeland as national team manager. England managed to qualify for UEFA Women's Euro 1995 , having previously missed out on
12402-580: The tie switched to St Andrew's ; Birmingham won the match 2–0. The following season, the club reached the Fourth Round where they drew Premier League club Newcastle United at Broadhall Way. A temporary stand was erected behind the South Stand, allocated to the Newcastle supporters, which increased the stadium capacity to 9,000, enough to satisfy The FA . Stevenage held Newcastle to a 1–1 draw, with Giuliano Grazioli equalising after Alan Shearer had given Newcastle an early lead. Stevenage lost 2–1 in
12519-504: The top tier of non-League for the following fourteen seasons, before the club earned promotion to the Football League after winning the Conference Premier in the 2009–10 season . The promotion served as the catalyst for a rebranding of the club, dropping the word 'Borough' from its title in June 2010. In their first season in the Football League , Stevenage won promotion to League One , the third tier of English football, via
12636-672: The tournament was postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic . An FA budget restructure at the end of 2020 saw the women's team become independent from the men's team for the first time, allowing more strategic freedom. In January 2021, Neville elected to resign early in order to take up the managerial position at Inter Miami , the Major League Soccer club founded by previous England men's captain David Beckham . As it had already been agreed that incumbent Netherlands manager Sarina Wiegman would be appointed to
12753-455: The tournament. England beat France 1–0 in the quarter-finals before meeting hosts and eventual champions, the Netherlands. In the semi-finals, England conceded three goals without reply and were knocked out of the tournament. In September 2017, Sampson was sacked from his role as manager by the FA after evidence of "inappropriate and unacceptable" behaviour was uncovered during his tenure at Bristol Academy . The FA in January 2019 agreed to pay
12870-582: The town's civic emblem as the basis of the crest. When the club were promoted to the Conference National in 1994, the crest was changed to the Stevenage Borough Council 'tick' in recognition of the help the club had received from the council in its rise through the leagues. Shortly after former chairman Victor Green took over the club, in 1996, a new crest was introduced, modelled on the town's coat of arms; incorporating
12987-486: The women's game, the Football Association (FA) later that year rescinded its ban on women playing on English Football League grounds. Shortly after, Eric Worthington was tasked by the WFA to assemble an official women's national team. England competed in its first international match against Scotland in Greenock on 18 November 1972, 100 years to the month after the first men's international . The team overturned
13104-493: Was a multi-record breaking game as three other players scored a hat-trick ( Mead , Hemp (scored 4), and Russo ), marking the first time four players had scored a hat-trick in a senior England women's game. The game was also the largest victory for either the women's or men's senior England sides, surpassing the women's team's 2005 13–0 win against Hungary and the men's 1882 13–0 win against Ireland . England were drawn into Group A of Women's Euro 2022 as hosts and won each of
13221-468: Was appointed as a first-team coach of Stevenage on 4 July 2019. Sampson was appointed as caretaker manager on 9 September 2019 after the sacking of Dino Maamria . On 15 December 2019 Stevenage announced that Graham Westley would return for this fourth stint as Stevenage's head coach, restoring Sampson to his previous role as a first team coach. During his oversight the club played 18 matches, winning five, with seven draws, and six losses. Stevenage finished
13338-431: Was created in June 2019; the hart being "brought to the forefront of the new design". The club stated that the previous crest "presented modern-day challenges due to its complex and detailed design" and therefore the new crest, circular in design, enabled the club to create a more visible identity on both a commercial and social level. The club have always played in red and white colours. Prior to taking on senior status,
13455-511: Was developed in-house by The Football Association's digital marketing department as a way of increasing the visibility and reach of the women's team to a dedicated women's football audience and community, particularly on social media . It was first used as a hashtag in June 2012 when the men's team was competing in UEFA Euro 2012 at the same time the women's team was playing a crucial UEFA Women's Euro 2013 qualifier against Netherlands in
13572-516: Was established in 1969 as an attempt to organise the women's game. That same year, Harry Batt formed an independent English team that competed in the Fédération Internationale Européenne de Football Féminine (FIEFF) European Cup. Batt's team also participated in two FIEFF World Cups held in Italy (1970) and Mexico (1971) . Following a UEFA recommendation in 1972 for national associations to incorporate
13689-467: Was sixth place in League One during the 2011–12 season . The same season, the club recorded their best run in the FA Cup when they reached the fifth round of the competition. Stevenage's largest victory in a league match came courtesy of an 11–1 win over British Timken Athletic in the United Counties League in December 1980, whilst their heaviest defeat is an 8–0 loss to Charlton Athletic in an EFL Trophy match in October 2018. The record for
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