Has Women's Football Inspired Roy Hodgson’s Team?

                              Has Women's Football Inspired Roy Hodgson’s Team?
 

Months after the England women’s teams superb effort in the World Cup, where they reached the semi-finals, England’s men’s team have continued the assault on all fronts with a string of impressive victories. So has the women’s teams recent heroics inspired the men to up their game ahead of the European Championships next year?

After the devastating loss to Japan in the semi-finals, it was admiral how Mark Sampson’s team picked themselves up and secured a third place finish at the tournament. In the third place playoff they managed to defeat Germany 1-0 to finish the tournament on a high note thanks to a http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/womens-world-cup-2015-england-go-ahead-against-germany-in-third-place-play-off-10366638.html 107th minute penalty scored by midfield dynamo, Fara Williams</a>. The result meant that this was England’s most successful World Cup campaign since Bobby Moore lifted the trophy in 1966.

But regardless of the devastating way the team went out,http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jul/01/womens-world-cup-heartbreaking-own-goal-kills-englands-dreams through a Laura Bassett 92nd minute own goal, the nation rallied behind the team. Women’s football got a huge boost from Sampson’s brave squad and the way they went about their business, who unlike their male counterparts who have become perennial underachievers at major tournaments over the years. Not since Glenn Hoddle’s ‘98 England side have the men’s team put up a significant challenge to win any silverware.

So it begs the question, has this motivated the men’s team to performed better? With Roy Hodgson’s side winning 10 out of 10 games in their European qualifying group, some might say, yes. It’s about time that as a nation we performed to the best of our abilities at an international tournament. And if the Lionesses showed anything in North America it was that with a bit of grit and determination, anything is possible.

http://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/ranking-table/women/ The women now find themselves 5th in the FIFA World Rankings thanks to their impressive showing in Canada. With the men’s team officially seeded in the upcoming draw for the European Championships, they can take a lot of pointers from the women’s team as they look to win the Euros for the first time in our history.

What Roy Hodgson’s team should remember, is that regardless if they aren’t favourites to overcome their opposition, even if they don’t win, they should go out on their shields.https://betting.betfair.com/football/womens-world-cup/japan-v-england-womens-world-cup-semi-final-betting-tips-010715-39.html Even though the women’s team may have overachieved in Canada, it’s through their resilience and heart that got them so far in the tournament, and the men’s team should definitely go into their upcoming trip to France next summer with the same mentality if they want to make an impression in the tournament.

 

A Sporting Partnership

JUST A BALL GAME?

EVENT:  THURSDAY 1^ST OCTOBER 6:30- 9:30PM AT BRADFORD BREWERY.

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A SPORTING PARTNERSHIP

Just a Ball Game? has teamed up with Bradford Brewery to create a new unique  partnership. On the 1^st October, the brewery will be launching a beer named Just a Ball Game? and launching a safe space for LGBT sports fans on match days. 

Additionally, on the night, a new Bradford City LGBT Supporters Group will be officially launched, with the Twitter account  @BFDCITYLGBT. The new fan club is endorsed by Bradford City Football Club, who are already proudly displaying the banner.
“Bradford City FC is delighted that Just a Ball Game? has achieved this support from the Bradford Brewery. The Club has worked closely with Just a Ball Game? since its inception and they have always provided sensible and practical support for the Club as it looks to attract LGBT fans to its home games.

We are a Club that is open to all and Just a Ball Game? has helped Bradford City FC to ensure its fan-base is fully inclusive.  We thank Bradford Brewery for their support for this venture and hope that the organisational links helps Just a Ball Game?  to go from strength-to-strength.” David Dowse, Facilities Manager, Bradford City FC.

During the course of the evening, there will be a Q&A session with invited guests including Gerry Sutcliffe, the former Sports Minister and Councillor Richard Dunbar. Alongside this there will be an educational exhibition on display, entitled “Time for Action”, and memorabilia from the women’s football game.

Support for these initiatives’ has come from many people including the Leader  of Bradford Council, David Green, “I welcome this initiative applaud the organisers in making sure that the peoples game is open and safe for all people to enjoy. It is great to see one of our new local businesses getting involved in this community initiative and supporting one of our great sporting clubs”

The beer will be a traditional English Best Bitter containing pale malt, crystal malt, wheat, caramel and chocolate malt with a royal gold colour.

In addition to being on sale at the Bradford Brewery, the beer will also be sale at Al’s Dime Bar, on North Parade.

Lindsay England, founder of JBG? said, “ Just a Ball Game? are very proud of the partnerships with both Bradford Brewery, and Al’s Dime Bar. Who, as of the 1^st October will be selling a beer with our brand name on it to mark the launch of the LGBT safe space and Bradford City LGBT fan group.”

 A spokesperson for the brewery had this to add: "Bradford Brewery are pleased to support Just a ball Game? It is important that individuality within sport is celebrated. We are all one team."- Alison of Bradford Brewery.

It’s hoped the branded beer, safe space and LGBT fan group will help to evolve an LGBT /straight alliance and inspire other communities to do similar.

The launch is a free event, and open to all who wish to support the venture.

Event support from: