ENGLAND WOMEN WILL PLAY WORLD CUP QUALIFIER IN RUSSIA
ENGLAND’S women will play in Russia in June despite Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson questioning the men’s participation at this summer’s World Cup finals. Phil Neville’s squad are scheduled to end their 2019 World Cup qualifying campaign there but as yet no venue has been chosen for the game. But Sportsmail understands that is simply down to the Russian Football Federation not determining where the match will be played on June 8 rather than a doubt about it going ahead or England having any concerns about travelling. It is likely an announcement will be made next week, with Russia debating whether to play the game in a provincial location or one of the bigger cities like St Petersburg, where Wales drew 0-0 in October. Neville’s squad were due back in the UK today after their hopes of lifting the SheBelieves Cup ended with a 1-0 defeat by the United States in Orlando yesterday. Karen Bardsley’s own goal in the second half saw the hosts take the trophy. New manager Neville was happy with the progress his players made but said: ‘I think the United States was a reality check for us. This shows how far we have got to go until we can call ourselves the best team in the world.’