Ali Krieger’s message to the LGBTQ+ community

Orlando City and United States women’s national team star Ali Krieger offered words of wisdom to the LGBTQ+ community on the latest episode of The Call Up.

The USWNT defender has long been part of the LGBTQ+ community, constantly advocating while offering support both on and off the pitch. In the past, Krieger and wife, USWNT member and Orlando City goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris, have been outspoken in hopes to raise awareness and destroy the stigma surrounding the LGBTQ+ in sports.

As Pride Month came to a close, Krieger directed her attention to young athletes in the community. 

“I think this is so important for a lot of our younger athletes and younger kids a part of our LGBTQ community to feel like they’re living their authentic life and living life to the fullest and feel appreciated and valued and supported,” Krieger said.

“I just want to say that there’s such an incredible community out here waiting for you that will love you. I know that it’s very difficult to take that next step and really live your truth but I do feel like there’s such an incredible world for you to explore because there’s so many people who will love you for you and no one can live your life better than you can live it.”

During the interview, Krieger spoke about the responsibilities that come with being role models for the community. She added that her and Harris want to continue to remain in the public eye, to make others just as comfortable.

“I really feel like it’s so important that we have people who are in this world who are individuals who really live their authentic life and inspire other people to want to do the same.

“And I hope that with Ash and I now with our daughter Sloane that we’ve helped save some people from thinking they can’t have a happy ending and that they possibly don’t deserve that and maybe through watching us living our authentic life that they feel like they can have great things too and that they deserve great things because of who they are and just because of who they love and what they love.

Ali KriegerAli Krieger

Krieger warming up before a game against NJ/NY Gotham City FC / Jeremy Reper/ISI Photos/Getty Images

“We need to just really start lifting each other up and loving each other for who we are because we can’t live our lives better than anyone else other than just being ourselves and so I feel like it’s really important that the visibility continues and the authenticity of everyone’s individual life really shines because that just inspires everyone to come out as they are and live life and love and be happy.”

Bukayo Saka doubtful for Ukraine clash after picking up training knock

England manager Gareth Southgate has revealed that winger Bukayo Saka may not be fit to face Ukraine on Saturday after picking up a knock in training.

The Arsenal youngster has enjoyed an excellent Euro 2020 so far, impressing in his two appearances against the Czech Republic and Germany.

Saka had been expected to continue his run of starts on Saturday when England travel to Rome to face Ukraine, but Southgate confessed that he will have to make a late call on the 19-year-old’s fitness before the match.

“We’ve just got to check on Bukayo, who had a slight knock today,” the boss said (via Sky Sports News). “Other than that everybody is available.”

A potential injury for Saka could open the door for soon-to-be Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, who is surprisingly still waiting for double digit minutes in the competition.

Bukayo SakaBukayo Saka

Saka has impressed this summer / Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

Alongside Sancho, Southgate can also choose from Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Mason Mount or Marcus Rashford, with Raheem Sterling expected to keep his spot on the left after his run of three goals in four games this summer.

“I’ve said all along it’s impossible to keep everyone happy, to pick a team everybody will agree with,” Southgate continued. “But we’ve got to pick the right players for the right moments, to sense what will cause the opposition the most problems, physically where all the players are at, when is the best time for them to have an impact.

“They’ve all been unbelievably respectful of their team-mates and the fact we have got this strength in depth.

Jadon SanchoJadon Sancho

Sancho is still waiting for his first minutes / Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images

“Raheem has been on fire. His goals have made it more difficult for some others to get in on that left side.”

England go into Saturday’s game as favourites to progress to the semi-final, where either Denmark or the Czech Republic will be waiting.

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Leeds United confirm permanent signing of Jack Harrison

Leeds United have confirmed the permanent signing of winger Jack Harrison from Manchester City.

The 24-year-old has been with Leeds ever since he first joined the club on a two-year loan in 2018 and has blossomed into one of the most important players in Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Harrison inked another one-year loan deal last summer which included an option to make the move permanent, and it has long been seen as just a matter of time before Leeds pulled the trigger and signed Harrison up.

The deal had initially been expected to be done on Thursday once the new contract year began, but Leeds took to their official website to confirm they had finally got things sorted out 24 hours later.

There is no mention of the fee involved, but reports suggest Leeds have agreed to pay anywhere between £10m and £15m.

Leeds had initially planned to sign Harrison permanently last summer but agreed with City to postpone his transfer until 2021 to allow them to focus on other transfer targets, with Bielsa eventually sealing deals to sign the likes of Rodrigo, Raphinha and Diego Llorente.

Harrison has already recorded 128 appearances for Bielsa’s side, chipping in with 18 goals and 20 assists in all competitions across both the Championship and the Premier League.

He was a near-permanent fixture of the side that finished ninth in the top flight last season, starting 34 games and coming off the bench in another two. Only three outfield players managed more minutes in the competition – Stuart Dallas, Luke Ayling and Patrick Bamford.

Jack HarrisonJack Harrison

Harrison is a regular under Bielsa / Pool/Getty Images

Harrison leaves City three years after he first joined the club from sister side New York City FC in January 2018.

He spent the first six months of his spell at the club on loan with Middlesbrough, where he struggled to settle in, but a switch to Elland Road in the summer helped get his career in England off the mark.

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Switzerland 1-1 Spain (1-3 pens): Player ratings as La Roja reach last four of Euro 2020

Spain reached the last four of the European Championship for the third time running on Friday evening, beating Switzerland 3-1 on penalties after the two teams had battled to a 1-1 draw in Saint Petersburg.

It took Luis Enrique’s men just eight minutes to break the deadlock. Koke’s corner was half-cleared out of the area, before Jordi Alba’s rasping strike deflected off Denis Zakaria and sailed into a helpless Yann Sommer’s net.

Spain seemed comfortable enough for the most part, but it was Switzerland who found the next goal to equalise after 68 minutes. An awful defensive mix up between Aymeric Laporte and Pau Torres allowed Remo Freuler to collect the ball and lay it off for Xherdan Shaqiri to neatly sweep into Unai Simon’s bottom corner.

Switzerland resumed play with their tails up, although things took a turn when Freuler was sent for an early shower. Referee Michael Oliver showed no hesitation in giving the midfielder a straight red card following a late challenge on Gerard Moreno and a quick VAR check did nothing to aid his pleas to stay on the pitch.

Spain were not able to take advantage of their man advantage before the end of regular time, however, sending the tie into extra time. La Roja dominated the goal-scoring opportunities in the extra period but failed to find a way past a resilient and spirited Swiss side.

That meant penalties, and after a string of misses from both sides, it was Mikel Oyarzabal who stepped forward to send his country through to the semi-finals of Euro 2020.

Here’s how both sides rated…

Nico ElvediNico Elvedi

Nico Elvedi was strong against Spain / Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

Yann Sommer (GK) – 8/10 – Had no chance with the opening goal and, apart from his distribution, looked composed and solid between the sticks – notably making stunning saves from Moreno and Oyarzabal in extra time. Produced yet more saves in the shoot-out but they weren’t enough.

Silvan Widmer (RB) – 5/10 – Playing in a four forced him infield, allowing Olmo and Alba plenty of space on the flank. Struggled to contain their threat.

Nico Elvedi (CB) – 8/10 – Alive to the danger from incoming balls and always positioned himself very well, racking up a whopping 18 defensive interventions. Colossal.

Manuel Akanji (CB) – 6/10 – Stayed tight to his opposition and marked well, although he sometimes allowed space in dangerous areas. Provided a threat from set pieces but passed up a couple of presentable opportunities. Missed Switzerland’s third spot kick.

Ricardo Rodriguez (LB) – 8/10 – Was very competent in his defensive duties against bright Spanish wingers. Always keen to get his foot in first and won the ball back 11 times. Put his body on the line and made an unbelievable block in front of goal in extra time.

Denis Zakaria, PedriDenis Zakaria, Pedri

Denis Zakaria wins the ball ahead of Pedri / Anton Vaganov – Pool/Getty Images

Breel Embolo (RM) – 6/10 – Started brightly, pressing hard to cause trouble among the Spanish defence but was unfortunately forced off after 20 minutes through injury.

Denis Zakaria (CM) – 6/10 – Showed some excellent bursts of energy to drive upfield, although didn’t inject that dynamism often enough. Defended well, making six ball recoveries and was really unlucky to have an own goal awarded against him.

Remo Freuler (CM) – 6/10 – Maintained a deep position in an attempt to screen his two central defenders. Produced some nice moments to release play and keep his side ticking along in a progressive way and was consistent defensively, positioning himself well to make four ball recoveries. Managed the assist for Shaqiri’s goal courtesy of energetic pressing but ruined his performance by getting sent off.

Steven Zuber (LM) – 6/10 – Always a willing runner and did well to pick and choose when to surge upfield, either to press his opposition or chase hopeful through balls. Helped stifle Spain’s right-hand side to decent effect but had very limited impact at the other end.

Xherdan ShaqiriXherdan Shaqiri

Xherdan Shaqiri produced some quality / Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

Xherdan Shaqiri (CF) – 7/10 – Occasionally found pockets of space and was bright with his attempts to find runners in behind, making three key passes. Finished nicely to get his side back on level terms.

Haris Seferovic (ST) – 5/10 – Positioned himself well in the box, constantly looking to find opportunity but very rarely got service. Maybe should have done more to physically impose himself on Pau Torres and provide an outlet for his side.

Ruben Vargas, Jordi AlbaRuben Vargas, Jordi Alba

Ruben Vargas marked tightly by Jordi Alba / Anton Vaganov – Pool/Getty Images

Ruben Vargas (RM) – 5/10 – Gave glimpses of his sharp attacking play and produced one key pass, but was quickly closed down in advanced areas – missed the vital penalty for his side.

Djibril Sow (CM) – 6/10

Mario Gavranovic (ST) – 6/10 – Slammed home his penalty with confidence but his teammates could not replicate this time around.

Christian Fassnacht (LM) – 6/10

Fabian Schar (CB) – 4/10 – Missed his spot kick with a tame effort to Simon’s right hand.

Kevin Mbabu (RB) – N/A

Unai Simon (GK) – 8/10 – A few shaky moments – particularly with the ball at his feet – but no comical own goal this time. Couldn’t do anything about the Swiss goal and actually made a crucial save before it. Came to the fore in the shoot-out as Switzerland missed their second, third and fourth penalties.

Cesar Azpilicueta (RB) – 7/10 – Remained calm and collected at the back, showing his experience and doing his job with minimal fuss.

Aymeric Laporte (CB) – 6/10 – Always looked forward and distributed the ball nicely. Also aware to runners in behind, covering to see out danger on several occasions. Was sloppy in the mix up that led to Switzerland’s goal.

Pau Torres (CB) – 5/10 – Calm enough defensively but was so uncomfortable under pressure, losing the ball cheaply and weakly several times. Unfortunate in the build up to Shaqiri’s strike, but it just showed his side’s fragility.

Jordi Alba (LB) – 8/10 – Always alert to track back while also getting up the left to make his presence count, putting in some very tasty crosses. Should have been awarded the goal early on but, in any case, his clean strike forced the opener.

KokeKoke

Koke was creative in midfield / Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

Sergio Busquets (DM) – 6/10 – At times looked leggy but was as assured as ever with the ball at his feet. Constantly picked clever and progressive passes to recycle the ball and keep his side ticking along.

Koke (CM) – 7/10 – An occasional threat with late runs into the box and showed good creativity with four key passes, but his main impact came from set pieces. Delivered some real quality from corners, notably one that led to the breakthrough.

Pedri (CM) – 8/10 – Influential in most good things his side did, making five key passes and demonstrating his vision and movement. Worked tirelessly to make seven ball recoveries while also playing brilliant balls to drive his side upfield and open the game up.

Ferran Torres, Ricardo RodriguezFerran Torres, Ricardo Rodriguez

Ferran Torres was the brightest of the starting front three / Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

Ferran Torres (RW) – 7/10 – Caused trouble with his pace, direct running and delivery. A nuisance with his desire to get in behind and the quality he produced with the ball at his feet.

Alvaro Morata (ST) – 6/10 – Key in shifting players around once more. Dropped deep to link play well, taking Akanji out position constantly and creating space. Spain occasionally missed a simple runner into the box to take advantage some delicious deliveries, though.

Pablo Sarabia (LW) – 5/10 – Hugged the touchline again, helping to spread the Swiss as far as possible. Enjoyed space on the left, but failed to make use of it that much and was hooked off at the break.

Dani OlmoDani Olmo

Dani Olmo was a danger after coming on / Kirill Kudryavstev – Pool/Getty Images

Dani Olmo (LW) – 7/10 – Introduced a spark and caused panic with his untraceable movement and creative edge, managing four key passes.

Gerard Moreno (ST) – 4/10 – Somehow put Alba’s pin-point cross wide of the post from a couple of yards out before failing to beat Sommer from close range in extra time. Wasted numerous opportunities after coming on.

Marcos Llorente (CM) – 7/10

Mikel Oyarzabal (RW) – 7/10 – Scored the crucial penalty to send his side through t the last four.

Thiago (CM) – 6/10

Rodri (CM) – 4/10 – Brought on for the penalty shoot-out, and missed.

Mohamed Salah left out of Egypt squad for Tokyo Olympics

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been left out of Egypt’s squad for this summer’s upcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Egypt boss Shawky Gharib has long been keen to include Salah in his squad and has repeatedly urged Liverpool to let him go, but the Reds were always hesitant to agree as it would cut into his pre-season at club level.

The problem for Gharib is that, because FIFA do not recognise the Olympics as an official tournament, clubs are given the freedom to block their players from turning out at the competition, which is why the squad is largely filled with Under-23 players.

Liverpool were under no obligation to release Salah, and judging by the squad list published on the Egypt Football Association’s official website, they haven’t.

Gharib was desperate to get Salah involved but has clearly been forced to go in a different direction, so the winger will now get the chance to have a full pre-season with Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Mohamed SalahMohamed Salah

Salah will get a full pre-season with Liverpool / Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images

Salah’s potential inclusion at the Olympics has been a contentious issue for months now. Gharib has consistently gone public with his desire to see his country’s talisman at the tournament, and he recently suggested that Salah himself was keen.

“We got Salah’s approval for playing at the Olympics before sending the request to Liverpool,” Gharib told ON Sport (via the Liverpool Echo). “We are still in discussions with the Premier League club regarding the tournament’s timing.

“Sure, having the experienced players will add more strength to the tournament, but the club may reject the request due to their commitments at the same time of the Olympics.”

Shawky GharibShawky Gharib

Gharib was determined to get Salah involved / Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

Liverpool have never spoken about the issue publicly, but they were always highly unlikely to allow Salah to compete at the Olympics, which starts on July 21 and can run until August 7.

The new Premier League season only gets underway on August 14, before which Liverpool will want at least two weeks with all of their players, so it’s not hard to understand why they were never really keen on letting Salah go.

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