Okorie Bonaventure

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Stories by Okorie Bonaventure

Chelsea Sets Price for Christopher Nkunku Amidst Cooling Premier League Interest
Sport News

Chelsea Sets Price for Christopher Nkunku Amidst Cooling Premier League Interest

By Okorie Bonaventure
Viktor Gyökeres Strikes to Force Arsenal Transfer as Sporting Stand Firm on £60.5m Fee
Sport News

Viktor Gyökeres Strikes to Force Arsenal Transfer as Sporting Stand Firm on £60.5m Fee

By Okorie Bonaventure
Crystal Palace can appeal the verdict to the Court of Arbitration for Sport
Sport News

Crystal Palace’s Europa League Snub Exposes UEFA’s Flawed Multi-Club Ownership Rules

By Okorie Bonaventure
Newcastle Step Up Hugo Ekitike Pursuit Amid Liverpool's Watch on Alexander Isak
Sport News

Newcastle Step Up Hugo Ekitike Pursuit Amid Liverpool’s Watch on Alexander Isak

By Okorie Bonaventure
FIFA Slashes Club World Cup Final Ticket Prices Amid Slow Demand at MetLife
Sport News

FIFA Slashes Club World Cup Final Ticket Prices Amid Slow Demand at MetLife

By Okorie Bonaventure
Louis van Gaal Declares Cancer Recovery and Open to Return in International Football
Sport News

Louis van Gaal Declares Cancer Recovery and Open to Return in International Football

By Okorie Bonaventure
How the 'Proper English' Mantra is Driving the Lionesses at Euro 2025 In a tournament where defending champions England were expected to lead from the front, a rocky start at Euro 2025 forced Sarina Wiegman's Lionesses to look inward. What emerged wasn't a tactical overhaul or media deflection, but a rallying cry that’s as old as English football itself: be proper English. Initially coined by Millie Bright after a Nations League win over Spain in February, the phrase has evolved into a touchstone for the team’s character. For Bright, it meant digging in, defending for one another, and being “hard to beat”—traits the Lionesses temporarily lost in a disjointed opening defeat to France. But in the 4-0 demolition of the Netherlands, the full meaning of "proper English" came roaring back to life. It was more than a result—it was a statement. A Gritty Response to Early Setback Following the setback against France, the dressing room message was clear: reconnect with the values that brought success in 2022. Georgia Stanway vowed to deliver a “proper England” performance ahead of the must-win clash with the Dutch, and the players responded with relentless intensity. Lauren Hemp summed it up best: “It’s about that fight in us that we all have, and will show in different ways. Everyone on that pitch did their jobs.” England weren’t just technically superior—they outworked their opponents at every turn. Their pressing numbers jumped, duels won spiked, and the team looked like the one that stormed to the title three years ago. Style Meets Substance The phrase may evoke images of long balls and crunching tackles, but this England team is more nuanced than the clichés suggest. Wiegman has added layers to their game—dropping the old rigid formations in favor of a fluid setup with a midfield triangle and defensive flexibility. Keira Walsh orchestrates from deep, while Lucy Bronze and Alex Greenwood offer both stability and composure under pressure. Hannah Hampton’s long pass to Alessia Russo against the Dutch, which led to Lauren James’ opener, was route one in execution, but precision in intent. The blend of grit and guile is unmistakably English, but modern too. This isn’t just about “getting stuck in.” It’s about understanding when to mix it, when to play, and when to fight. England won 46 of 48 duels against the Netherlands, almost doubling their success from the France match. Returning to Their Roots What’s remarkable is how deeply personal this response has been. Players spoke about remembering their journey—what it took to reach this stage, the setbacks, the sacrifices, the family away from home. “It’s been important,” said Hemp. “You can know every single bit about someone to help you through everything.” That team unity translated into tactical fluidity. Lauren James, misfiring as a central 10 against France, was redeployed on the right to devastating effect. Jess Carter and Alex Greenwood swapped defensive roles seamlessly. Ella Toone drifted between lines, creating space and driving the attack forward. Even in possession, England were smarter. They had less of the ball against the Netherlands than in their opening match (52% vs. 57%) but used it better, winning it back high up the pitch and forcing Dutch errors. The performance wasn’t just dominant. It was intentional. Identity Driving Performance This "proper English" mentality isn’t about retreating into nostalgia. Instead, it’s become a vehicle for re-establishing identity. Russo described it as working “until we can’t run anymore and sticking together.” That mindset is proving crucial at a tournament where pressure is magnified and reputations are tested. With one group game left against Wales, the Lionesses now control their destiny. England fans can expect more than passion and physicality on Sunday. This team, guided by Wiegman's evolving style and the players' emotional reconnect with their roots, have found a powerful balance between heritage and progress.
Sport News

How ‘Proper English’ Identity Reignited the Lionesses’ Euro 2025 Campaign

By Okorie Bonaventure
Fluminense reached the Club World Cup semi-finals before losing to Chelsea
Sport News

Club World Cup’s Global Reception: From Al-Hilal Euphoria to European Apathy

By Okorie Bonaventure
Liverpool Retires Diogo Jota's Number 20 Shirt in Emotional Tribute
Sport News

Liverpool Retires Diogo Jota’s Number 20 Shirt in Emotional Tribute

By Okorie Bonaventure
Luis Enrique Urges PSG to Stay Focused Ahead of Club World Cup Final Against Chelsea
Sport News

Luis Enrique Urges PSG to Stay Focused Ahead of Club World Cup Final Against Chelsea

By Okorie Bonaventure
Crystal Palace will not feature in the UEFA Europa League next season
Football

UEFA Demotes Crystal Palace from Europa League to Conference League Over Ownership Conflict

By Okorie Bonaventure
Club World Cup final prediction
Football

Chelsea vs PSG Live: Club World Cup Final 2025 Stream, TV Channel, Team News, and Prediction

By Okorie Bonaventure