LiveScore Daily: Lionesses ready to roar again at Wembley

LiveScore Daily is here to deliver all the big talking points from the world of football throughout the day. Keep refreshing this page for the latest stories in bite-sized chunks.

The wonder of Wembley

Sarina Wiegman is relishing kicking off England's Euro 2025 qualifying campaign at Wembley.

Having lifted the trophy at the national stadium in July 2022 with a 2-1 victory over Germany, the Lionesses are set to welcome Sweden there on April 5.

After the Wembley curtain-raiser, the defending champions face two more home games at St James' Park and Carrow Road.

The Dutch coach, 54, said: "Wembley holds such special memories and I am delighted we can begin our Euro qualifiers in our home against Sweden.

"It's going to be an exciting qualification campaign against three top sides.

"I'm sure the fans are looking forward to the games and it's really nice that we're playing our three home games in really special venues in different parts of England.

"Wherever we play in the country we have such fantastic support and I'm sure these games in London, Newcastle and Norwich will be no different.

"We will need to show up and perform but there's no doubt the fans can help us."

England's Euro 2025 qualifying fixtures

April 5: Sweden (H)
April 9: Republic of Ireland (A)
May 31: France (H)
June 4: France (A)
July 12: Republic of Ireland (H)
July 16: Sweden (A)

No panic

Xabi Alonso is not worried about Bayer Leverkusen's unbeaten season coming to an end — but admits he has thought about how his team will bounce back from a defeat.

Leverkusen extended their undefeated streak in all competitions to 35 games last night as they picked up a 2-2 draw in the Europa League against Qarabag.

But it took a stoppage-time equaliser from Patrik Schick to rescue a result for the Bundesliga leaders in the first leg of their last-16 tie in Azerbaijan.

Alonso, 42, said: "To be honest, I'm not too scared of the first defeat. It can happen, that's football... I won't be worried.

"The most important thing for me is that the momentum, the mood and the energy in the team is good. And hopefully that will still be the case after a defeat."

Alonso is hotly tipped to succeed Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss at the end of the season.

Top of the stops

Emma Hayes was full of praise for keeper Hannah Hampton as Chelsea downed Manchester City 1-0 to book their place in the Conti Cup final.

An early goal from Lauren James proved decisive at the Joie Stadium last night but it needed a string of fine saves from Hampton, 23, to see the Blues through.

And Hayes said: "It was absolutely superb from Hannah from start to finish.

"It brings confidence to the backline. Her ability to play out from the back, plus making saves like she did, she is growing in a Chelsea shirt.

"Her and Sjoeke Nusken were players of the match for us."

Hall of Fame

Referee Rebecca Welch is set to be inducted into the National Football Museum's Hall of Fame.

Welch, 40, made history in December 2023 when she became the first female to officiate a Premier League game as Fulham lost 2-0 to Burnley at Craven Cottage.

The delighted match official said: "It's quite overwhelming, I was very honoured to be asked.

"My journey started 13 years ago and now here I am having refereed in one of the biggest leagues in the world, being inducted to the National Football Museum Hall of Fame alongside legends of the game. It doesn't feel real.

"It's great for young boys and young girls to see female representation at the top of the game because it makes them believe they can be there as well."

Far from over

Former Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel does not believe Sunday's crunch clash with Manchester City at Anfield will decide the Premier League title race.

With Arsenal, who have to go to the Etihad at the end of the month, a point behind City and two behind Jurgen Klopp's leaders, 39-year-old Skrtel is adamant there will be plenty of twists and turns to come.

He told PA: "It is always a big game against City, especially the last few seasons when they competed with Liverpool for the championship.

"But I don’t think it will be decisive as there are too many games to play.

"In the Premier League, you can drop points anywhere and Arsenal are there also.

"I'm not going to predict how it will finish but I hope Liverpool can beat City and make a step towards winning the league."