Erica Parkinson’s mindset coach Martin Fairn explains the importance of mental preparation in football
How much attention do we really pay to the mental side of football, particularly when it comes to young players?
It’s easy to focus on talent, technical ability and performances on the pitch, but what happens when a young player has to deal with the expectations that come with reaching the highest level, the pressure to constantly prove themselves and the scrutiny that comes with playing the game professionally?
These are some of the questions Sports News Blitz sub-editor Nicole Powell explored in a recent interview with Martin Fairn, co-founder and CEO of Gazing Red2Blue.
England Women: Sarina Wiegman leaves out Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly for Greece play-off
England Women manager Sarina Wiegman has named her 23-player squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying play-off against Greece.
However, there are two notable omissions, with Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly both missing out.
England women squad news: Who’s in and who’s out for the World Cup qualifiers?
England captain Leah Williamson and forward Lauren James headline a number of high-profile returns in Sarina Wiegman’s latest 25-player squad for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers.
The build-up has been shaped by persistent injury concerns and important recalls that have forced the England manager to be cautious when making her selections.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Liberty Nicholson-Hulse breaks down the key talking points from England’s latest squad announcement, taking a closer look at the notable inclusions and absences shaping Wiegman’s plans.
ICC Women’s World Cup analysis: England Women chase fifth World Cup triumph; hotly contested opener against South Africa Women
England Women will look to bring home the ICC Women’s World Cup trophy for the fifth time this autumn as Nat Sciver-Brunt’s side kick off their campaign against South Africa Women on Friday, October 3.
The tournament is set to be a closely contested one, with plenty of challenging encounters that lie ahead.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Oliver Shorland analyses the England Women’s potential trajectory to a World Cup triumph and the key performers that will help them achieve it.