For decades, the term "WAGs"—Wives And Girlfriends—has been used to describe the partners of football stars. But at the FIFA World Cup 2026, many of England's footballers' partners are pushing back against the label. From entrepreneurs and lawyers to athletes, influencers, and business leaders, these women are increasingly being recognised for their own achievements rather than their relationships. As the spotlight turns to the women behind the players, a larger conversation is emerging about identity, representation, and the evolving role of partners in modern football culture.

Don't Call Us WAGs, Say Football World Cup Wives & Girlfriends 

England have announced their 12-man squad for the first Ashes Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Friday, (Nov 21). Ben Stokes will lead the side, with England sticking to a familiar batting lineup of Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root and Harry Brook. Jamie Smith has been trusted with the wicketkeeping role. The squad also shows England’s focus on pace, with Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Brydon Carse and Gus Atkinson all included. Shoaib Bashir is the only specialist spinner and twelfth. It’s a balanced group that gives England good options as they look to start the series on a strong note in tough Australian conditions.&nbsp;&nbsp;England have been talking a lot about being flexible on this tour, and this squad proves that. Stokes hasn’t confirmed the final XI yet because the Perth pitch can behave differently each day. Early in the week, when England played their warm-up game, it looked green and full of pace, which made England think about going with all fast bowlers.&nbsp;Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/most-odi-tons-for-west-indies-hope-matches-lara-full-leaderboard-here-1763541832200"> Most ODI tons for West Indies: Hope matches Lara, full leaderboard here</a> But as the days went by, the surface dried out a bit, and spin became a real option again. That’s why Bashir stays in the 12, and England will take the final call on a spinner on match day.<h2>England can go with pure pace</h2>The fast-bowling group looks strong. Archer and Wood are both fit, which is a huge plus. Archer hasn’t played a Test in a long time, and Wood had a small injury scare during the warm-up match, but both seem ready. If England go for pure speed, they have plenty of it.&nbsp;The batting lineup is familiar and steady with Crawley and Duckett set to open with Pope stays at no. 3. Ollie's numbers in Australia aren’t great, but he scored runs in the warm-up game, which gives him confidence. Root and Brook add strength in the middle order along with skipper Stoks and Smith taking the gloves, brings something new behind the stumps.

Ben Stokes will lead the side, with England sticking to a familiar top order of Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root and Harry Brook. Jamie Smith has been trusted with the wicketkeeping role. 

England have announced their 12-man squad for the first Ashes Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Friday, (Nov 21). Ben Stokes will lead the side, with England sticking to a familiar batting lineup of Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root and Harry Brook. Jamie Smith has been trusted with the wicketkeeping role. The squad also shows England’s focus on pace, with Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Brydon Carse and Gus Atkinson all included. Shoaib Bashir is the only specialist spinner and twelfth. It’s a balanced group that gives England good options as they look to start the series on a strong note in tough Australian conditions. England have been talking a lot about being flexible on this tour, and this squad proves that. Stokes hasn’t confirmed the final XI yet because the Perth pitch can behave differently each day. Early in the week, when England played their warm-up game, it looked green and full of pace, which made England think about going with all fast bowlers. Also read | Most ODI tons for West Indies: Hope matches Lara, full leaderboard here But as the days went by, the surface dried out a bit, and spin became a real option again. That’s why Bashir stays in the 12, and England will take the final call on a spinner on match day. England can go with pure pace The fast-bowling group looks strong. Archer and Wood are both fit, which is a huge plus. Archer hasn’t played a Test in a long time, and Wood had a small injury scare during the warm-up match, but both seem ready. If England go for pure speed, they have plenty of it. The batting lineup is familiar and steady with Crawley and Duckett set to open with Pope stays at no. 3. Ollie's numbers in Australia aren’t great, but he scored runs in the warm-up game, which gives him confidence. Root and Brook add strength in the middle order along with skipper Stoks and Smith taking the gloves, brings something new behind the stumps.

Ben Stokes will lead the side, with England sticking to a familiar top order of Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root and Harry Brook. Jamie Smith has been trusted with the wicketkeeping role.&nbsp;

Ashes 2025: England reveal 12-man squad for Perth opener, details inside

England have named their squad for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium as they prepare for the Euro 2024. The announcement made on Thursday (Mar 14) saw little surprises but saw the return of Joe Gomez after three years in the England squad. Manager Gareth Southgate named the 25-man squad which consists of players from four leagues in Europe. Southgate also revealed that Ben White was not included in the squad having asked to stay at Arsenal.

<h2>Gomez&nbsp;returns after three years</h2>

One of the consistent performers in the Liverpool squad, Southgate had a decision to make when White opted to withdraw. Gomez, who has been in the Starting XI in recent times owing to several players either being injured or suspended at Liverpool, attracted the attention of England's manager which saw him lift the League Cup glory. He last played for England in October 2020 when the Three Lions beat Wales 3-0 in an all-British affair.

<h2>Ben White to sit out</h2>

Reflecting on Ben White’s reluctance to join the squad, Southgate was unclear on the reason why he opted to stay away. However, according to reports, White is unhappy and has fallen out with assistant coach Steve Holland.

"I spoke to him post-Qatar and there was reticence from his side. I don't know why that is. There is no issue between us at all and there's also no issue with Steve, which has been mentioned in articles and I don't like that," said Southgate.

"I have to accept things are false about me, but I'm not prepared for that to happen to my coaching team. That is not the reason Ben is not with us,” added the English gaffer.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rishabh-pant-sprints-during-training-session-as-star-batter-prepares-for-ipl-2024-return-with-dc-watch-700123">IPL 2024: Rishabh Pant sprints during training session as star batter prepares for return with DC - Watch</a>

Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal).

Defenders: Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Manchester City).

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Ajax), James Maddison (Tottenham), Declan Rice (Arsenal).

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).

England have named their squad for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium as they prepare for the Euro 2024. The announcement made on Thursday (Mar 14) saw little surprises but saw the return of Joe Gomez after three years in the England squad.

England have named their squad for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium as they prepare for the Euro 2024. The announcement made on Thursday (Mar 14) saw little surprises but saw the return of Joe Gomez after three years in the England squad. Manager Gareth Southgate named the 25-man squad which consists of players from four leagues in Europe. Southgate also revealed that Ben White was not included in the squad having asked to stay at Arsenal. Gomez returns after three years One of the consistent performers in the Liverpool squad, Southgate had a decision to make when White opted to withdraw. Gomez, who has been in the Starting XI in recent times owing to several players either being injured or suspended at Liverpool, attracted the attention of England's manager which saw him lift the League Cup glory. He last played for England in October 2020 when the Three Lions beat Wales 3-0 in an all-British affair. Ben White to sit out Reflecting on Ben White’s reluctance to join the squad, Southgate was unclear on the reason why he opted to stay away. However, according to reports, White is unhappy and has fallen out with assistant coach Steve Holland. "I spoke to him post-Qatar and there was reticence from his side. I don't know why that is. There is no issue between us at all and there's also no issue with Steve, which has been mentioned in articles and I don't like that," said Southgate. "I have to accept things are false about me, but I'm not prepared for that to happen to my coaching team. That is not the reason Ben is not with us,” added the English gaffer. ALSO READ | IPL 2024: Rishabh Pant sprints during training session as star batter prepares for return with DC - Watch Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal). Defenders: Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Manchester City). Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Ajax), James Maddison (Tottenham), Declan Rice (Arsenal). Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez returns to England squad after three years; Ben White asks to be left out

England have finally named their squad for the Ashes tour to Australia, a series that was shadowed by the clouds of uncertainty a few days back after some English players raised concerns over tough COVID-19 quarantine rules in the visiting country.

England have finally named their squad for the Ashes tour to Australia, a series that was shadowed by the clouds of uncertainty a few days back after some English players raised concerns over tough COVID-19 quarantine rules in the visiting country. On Sunday (October 10), the head coach of the England cricket team, Chris Silverwood, named a 17-player squad for the Ashes tour starting in November. The official site of the England Cricket Board (ECB) mentioned that all 17 players have been capped at Test level and it is the strongest available squad. Ten of the 17 will be touring Australia in an Ashes series for the first time, including vice-captain Jos Buttler. England Test captain Joe Root and Buttler have been selected despite their recent remarks that they might not travel if their fears were not eased. EXCLUSIVE | DC's assistant coach opines on Rishabh Pant's captaincy, Delhi's 2-0 edge vs CSK before playoffs Who will be our most important players as we try to win back the urn this winter? 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏏 pic.twitter.com/6xYzVWlAc3 — England Cricket (@englandcricket) October 10, 2021 × Who will be our most important players as we try to win back the urn this winter? 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏏 pic.twitter.com/6xYzVWlAc3 — England Cricket (@englandcricket) October 10, 2021 × Seamer Stuart Broad was included despite the calf injury he picked up in the Test series against India on the other hand all-rounders Ben Stokes and Sam Curran missed out. The squad included recalls for batsman Zak Crawley and spinner Dom Bess and Essex batsman Dan Lawrence the most eye-catching selection. Fast bowler Jofra Archer was also unavailable after he suffered a recurrence of a stress fracture in his elbow and Olly Stone was ruled out with a back injury. James Anderson and Broad head up the seam bowling for what may well be their Ashes swansongs, with support from fellow pacemen Chris Woakes, Mark Wood and Ollie Robinson. Haseeb Hameed travels despite missing out on a central contract this week. ALSO READ | David Warner leaving SRH? Australian star's heartfelt post on Instagram hints at his exit The tour looked doubtful when players sought assurances for their family members to be allowed to join them for the series over the Christmas and New Year period. But following a breakthrough in talks with Cricket Australia, the England and Wales Cricket Board on Friday said they had given "conditional approval" for the tour to go ahead. The first test is due to begin in Brisbane on Dec. 8, followed by a day-night match in Adelaide from Dec. 16 before the traditional Boxing Day test in Melbourne. Sydney will host the fourth match and the final test will be in Perth starting on Jan. 14. Australia retained the Ashes when the teams last met in 2019 in England after a 2-2 series draw. Here's the full squad: England: Joe Root (captain), James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Dom Bess, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Haseeb Hameed, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood

With an aim to win back the urn, England name strongest available squad for Ashes tour

The England and Wales (ECB) on Friday confirmed a 55-man back-to-training squad who have been asked to returning to training as England prepare for the resumption of cricket, behind closed doors, subject to UK government clearance. While there were new faces in the list, one big name – Alex Hales – was missing from the list, days after limited-overs skipper Eoin Morgan said it would yet "more time" for the Nottinghamshire batsman to regain trust following a recreational drugs ban before the ICC World Cup 2019.

Hales was dropped from the World Cup squad and missed out on what has been England’s biggest success in their history, winning the quadrennial event. While many have urged the England management to reconsider its stance on Hales, the swashbuckling batsman hasn’t been recalled to the side.&nbsp;

Former England captain Michael Vaughan reacted on Hales’ omission from the side as he took to social media platform Twitter to write: Surprised by @AlexHales1 omission from today’s squads .. He screwed up pre World Cup,was punished correctly &nbsp;&amp; paid the penalty .. but he should have been given a chance now to redeem himself imo !! #Cricket

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-not-at-risk-of-losing-2021-t20-world-cup-hosting-rights-bcci-treasurer-arun-dhumal-301763" hreflang="en">India not at risk of losing 2021 T20 World Cup hosting rights: BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal</a>

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Surprised by <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexHales1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlexHales1</a> omission from today’s squads .. He screwed up pre World Cup,was punished correctly &amp; paid the penalty .. but he should have been given a chance now to redeem himself imo !! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a>
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Hales has been in sensational form in limited-overs cricket and enjoyed a tremendous run with the willow in the Big Bash League (BBL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL). However, his run-scoring prowess has been once again ignored by the ECB and only time will tell when the 31-year-old returns to the England squad.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-schedule-under-very-high-risk-admits-cricket-australia-ceo-kevin-roberts-301750" hreflang="en">T20 World Cup schedule under 'very high risk', admits Cricket Australia CEO Kevin Roberts</a>

ECB Performance Director Mo Bobat said: “It’s really pleasing to be in a position to have players returning to training and a huge amount of work has been done by many to get us this far. The pool of players will give selectors strong options when it comes to selecting squads across formats further down the line, as we move closer to our aim of playing international cricket this summer.”

“We will need to continue to work closely with our medical team and government to ensure that our return to training and play activities are in line with best-practice guidelines. We’re also really grateful for the positive and collaborative response from our county colleagues who are doing a great job at facilitating coaching and support for the players. The fact that we can call on our network to support the national effort shows the strength of our system.”

The England and Wales (ECB) on Friday confirmed a 55-man back-to-training squad who have been asked to returning to training as England prepare for the resumption of cricket, behind closed doors, subject to UK government clearance.

The England and Wales (ECB) on Friday confirmed a 55-man back-to-training squad who have been asked to returning to training as England prepare for the resumption of cricket, behind closed doors, subject to UK government clearance. While there were new faces in the list, one big name – Alex Hales – was missing from the list, days after limited-overs skipper Eoin Morgan said it would yet "more time" for the Nottinghamshire batsman to regain trust following a recreational drugs ban before the ICC World Cup 2019. Hales was dropped from the World Cup squad and missed out on what has been England’s biggest success in their history, winning the quadrennial event. While many have urged the England management to reconsider its stance on Hales, the swashbuckling batsman hasn’t been recalled to the side. Former England captain Michael Vaughan reacted on Hales’ omission from the side as he took to social media platform Twitter to write: Surprised by @AlexHales1 omission from today’s squads .. He screwed up pre World Cup,was punished correctly & paid the penalty .. but he should have been given a chance now to redeem himself imo !! #Cricket ALSO READ: India not at risk of losing 2021 T20 World Cup hosting rights: BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal Surprised by @AlexHales1 omission from today’s squads .. He screwed up pre World Cup,was punished correctly & paid the penalty .. but he should have been given a chance now to redeem himself imo !! #Cricket — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) May 29, 2020 × Hales has been in sensational form in limited-overs cricket and enjoyed a tremendous run with the willow in the Big Bash League (BBL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL). However, his run-scoring prowess has been once again ignored by the ECB and only time will tell when the 31-year-old returns to the England squad. ALSO READ: T20 World Cup schedule under 'very high risk', admits Cricket Australia CEO Kevin Roberts ECB Performance Director Mo Bobat said: “It’s really pleasing to be in a position to have players returning to training and a huge amount of work has been done by many to get us this far. The pool of players will give selectors strong options when it comes to selecting squads across formats further down the line, as we move closer to our aim of playing international cricket this summer.” “We will need to continue to work closely with our medical team and government to ensure that our return to training and play activities are in line with best-practice guidelines. We’re also really grateful for the positive and collaborative response from our county colleagues who are doing a great job at facilitating coaching and support for the players. The fact that we can call on our network to support the national effort shows the strength of our system.”

Michael Vaughan left surprised by Alex Hales' omission from England's back-to-training squad

Ahead of the two-match test series in New Zealand, return of all-rounder Ben Stokes will be a welcome boost to the England squad as he provides much-needed balance and lifts morale, said Moeen Ali&nbsp;

Stokes returned for the one-day internationals against New Zealand last month after a lengthy absence due to an affray charge relating to an incident in September, helping England win the series 3-2.

The 26-year-old faces a late fitness test after sitting out the warm-up game against New Zealand XI due to a back injury.&nbsp;

Stokes also missed the Ashes series in Australia which England lost 4-0.

&quot;He`s always great for the team,&quot; Moeen said.&nbsp;

&quot;The balance of the team is pretty much sorted when he`s in the team. It&#39;s just having him in the side, knowing we&#39;ve got a much stronger side when he`s playing. It gives everyone else a good lift, and obviously him being at slip for me, he`s very good in that position,&quot; he added.

&quot;He`s ready to go and ready to perform and give back to the team, which I`m sure he wants to do for what happened earlier.&quot;

New Zealand put up a fight in the ODI series, taking a 2-1 lead before England won the last two games and Moeen is expecting another tough challenge from the hosts.

Stokes returned for the one-day internationals against New Zealand last month

Ahead of the two-match test series in New Zealand, return of all-rounder Ben Stokes will be a welcome boost to the England squad as he provides much-needed balance and lifts morale, said Moeen Ali Stokes returned for the one-day internationals against New Zealand last month after a lengthy absence due to an affray charge relating to an incident in September, helping England win the series 3-2. The 26-year-old faces a late fitness test after sitting out the warm-up game against New Zealand XI due to a back injury. Stokes also missed the Ashes series in Australia which England lost 4-0. "He`s always great for the team," Moeen said. "The balance of the team is pretty much sorted when he`s in the team. It's just having him in the side, knowing we've got a much stronger side when he`s playing. It gives everyone else a good lift, and obviously him being at slip for me, he`s very good in that position," he added. "He`s ready to go and ready to perform and give back to the team, which I`m sure he wants to do for what happened earlier." New Zealand put up a fight in the ODI series, taking a 2-1 lead before England won the last two games and Moeen is expecting another tough challenge from the hosts.

Ben Stokes return will lift England, says Moeen

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